SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 16, 2025 – Tomato Jos Farming and Processing Limited has been awarded the prestigious SAVE FOOD Project Award 2024 for its impactful work in reducing post-harvest losses and empowering smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The award, which includes a €10,000 grant, recognizes the company's innovative approach to improving tomato cultivation, processing, and marketing in the region.
Addressing Food Loss in Sub-Saharan Africa
Nigeria is the largest producer of tomatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet it imports millions of dollars worth of tomato products annually. This paradox is largely due to significant post-harvest losses – nearly half the harvest spoils due to inadequate cold chains, poor storage and transportation, and challenging climatic conditions. This results in substantial economic hardship for smallholder farmers and contributes to food insecurity.
Tomato Jos: A Holistic Approach to Food Security and Economic Empowerment
Founded in 2014 by Mira Mehta, Tomato Jos operates farms, creates jobs, and produces its own tomato paste in Kaduna, Nigeria. The company takes a comprehensive approach to tackling food loss and empowering farmers, encompassing:
- Training Programs: Farmers receive training in modern cultivation methods, ensuring access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and technology for improved yields.
- Innovative Credit System: A unique credit system facilitates the establishment of productive farms and strengthens the financial independence of farmers.
- Optimized Packaging and Transportation: Tomato Jos promotes the use of bulk bins, a sustainable packaging solution that significantly reduces damage during transportation compared to traditional woven baskets. These bins protect the fruit, optimize truck space, and lower transportation costs.
"We teach smallholder farmers, among other things, when to ideally harvest tomatoes, how best to sort and pack them," says Mira Mehta, Managing Director.
Significant Impact and Future Plans
Through its multifaceted approach, Tomato Jos has already achieved a remarkable 45% reduction in post-harvest tomato losses. The company plans to use the SAVE FOOD Award prize money to further expand its activities, investing in:
- Pest Control Training: Educating farmers on effective pest management techniques.
- New Tomato Varieties: Introducing improved tomato varieties with enhanced resilience and yield.
- Enhanced Packaging Systems: Further optimizing packaging to minimize losses and improve product quality.
"This award is a springboard for thousands of farmers to benefit and optimize their harvest results," explains Mira Mehta.
Recognition and Collaboration
The SAVE FOOD Project Award winner was announced in December at pacprocess MEA in Cairo, an interpack alliance event. The expert jury comprised members of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and1interpack/Messe Düsseldorf.
"Tomato Jos has already achieved a great deal and shown the potential that arises when actors along the entire processing, packaging, and distribution chain are specifically supported," explains Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack and the SAVE FOOD Initiative. "The project proves that innovative approaches not only help to reduce food losses but also create sustainable economic and social structures."
About the SAVE FOOD Initiative
Launched in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf and interpack, the world's leading trade fair for the packaging industry and related process industries, the SAVE FOOD Initiative collaborates with organizations like the FAO and UN Environment. As a global alliance, it combats food loss and waste in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, with a particular focus on innovations in the packaging industry.