The Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of
Nigeria (FACAN )has sent a passionate plea to the all concerned government
quarters to take speedy action against the United Nation’s decision to ban any
agricultural produce that is not bagged in a hydrocarbon-free bag so that the
umbrella body for all the commodities association could embark on importing
jute bags made of kenaf pending when they will be available in mass production
in the country.
This call, according to our source who spoke on condition of
anonymity, is coming on the heels of
United Nation’s plan to execute its ban of agricultural produce that is not
properly bagged in jute bag, which the association feels might hinder the FG
policy decision to diversify the economy from oil to commercial agriculture
with accelerated crops and livestock production that will sufficiently feed the
nation and give room for export to the other parts of the world, especially
where premium prices are paid for a standard produce.
Said the source:“The
United Nations have wrapped up plans by January 2018 to do away with any agricultural
produce not bagged with jute bag ( that
is internationally certified as hydrocarbon free bag with ability to absorb
fresh air that will reduce heat or moisture on the produce before arrival at destination of need) coming from Nigeria.
This is why our association is calling on the Federal Ministry of industry, Trade
and Investment to allow FACAN to start embarking on importation of jute bags
pending the time when the nation would have been able to produce enough that
will checkmate import”
It was further gathered that FACAN has entered into an
agreement with two international jute bag corporations in partnership with Jaiz
bank, so as to ensure availability and that about N350, 000,000 would be
provided by the partnering bank while FACAN is to provide N20, 000,000.
It was gathered that series of letters and interactions
between the FG and FACAN on the need for Nigeria to start preparation for the
2018 deadline through sourcing from a cheaper alternative source for jute bags
that will checkmate the proposed ban.
In one of the letter sent to Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade And Investment which a source
in the ministry confirmed was said to have intimated the government on the need to expedite action
that would ensure the availability of jute bags stating that: “ the current
international standard and practices in the use of hydrocarbon free jute bag
for packaging of agricultural commodities, leaves Nigeria with no option but to
start the implementation of the policy before the commencement of the 2018
deadline”
“There is the need for FACAN to take advantage of the
implementation policy through the importation and distribution of jute bags to
members as there are no credible sources of the bag at a fair price currently
in the country. The importation of the jute bags by FACAN will provide the
following benefits and advantages in general. It will afford Nigeria to comply
with international standard on packaging of commodities and bring about improvement
on the quality of export produce; improve the shelf life of agricultural
produce produced locally as jute bags extend the shelf life for one month
beyond that of polypropylene bags. Revenue of farmers will be increased as
wastages will be reduced by about 5%”
Likely to be affected if immediate actions were not taken
are cocoa beans, soybeans, ginger, cashew seeds, sesame seeds, gum Arabic,
cotton and coffee, according to our source who said the government must be
prepared against this action before it becomes too late.
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