The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, has provided storage facilities to 75 Bauchi State farmers’ cooperatives and groups.
The items were presented to the beneficiaries on Saturday in Bauchi by Dr Patricia Pessu, Executive Director of the Institute.
According to Pessu, who was represented by Dr Olaleye Olacimeji, NSPRI Coordinator, Kano Zonal Office, the development would boost agriculture and add value to the produce.
She stated that approximately 80 Hemertic Steel Drums would be distributed to farmers in order to address post-harvest losses and improve food safety.
According to the institute’s director, innovative technologies have been introduced to improve preservation, encourage productivity, and achieve long-term food security.
“NSPRI developed the hermetic steel drum, an airtight technology for the non-chemical preservation of dried crop products.”
“Among these are grains, pulses, roots, tubers, fruits, vegetables, and perishables,” she explained.
According to Pessu, the Institute will set up a Paraboluc Solar Tent Dryer to encourage produce preservation through the use of hygienic methods.
She stated that the institute would continue to work with the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) to promote the use of modern technologies in agriculture.
Mr Jiduana Tula, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, praised the gesture, saying it would address post-harvest issues faced by farmers in the state.
Tula, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Alhaji Yakubu Jibrin-Abdullahi, stated that the state government, in collaboration with development organizations, would continue to assist farmers in achieving positive development in the sector.
Farmers, he said, were losing money due to a lack of modern preservative technologies and facilities, while food and other produce lost between 15% and 20% of their value and quality.
Tula stated that the state would introduce viable programs to accelerate technology-driven agriculture while reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing post-harvest challenges.
“We’ll use local fabricators to make more steel drums for distribution to farmers,” he said.
Mr Ja’afar Illelah, Programme Manager, BSADP, also spoke, stating that the new technology would address post-harvest losses and other issues confronting farmers.
Illelah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviving agriculture through improved farmer assistance programs and the introduction of new technologies.
He urged the recipients to make full use of the facilities and to scale back training in their respective communities to promote food preservation practices.
“With the use of chemicals, grain and other produce can be stored for an extended period of time.”
“It will reduce post-harvest losses, food poisoning, and promote good practices,” he explained.
Hajiya Marka Abbas, one of the recipients, praised the gesture, saying it would boost agricultural activities in the state.
Abbas promised to ensure that the facilities are used effectively in order to increase productivity.