The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) recently awarded a N2 million grant to Miss Zainab Adam, a corps member who stood out for her efforts in reducing post harvest losses. Zainab, who engaged in a smoked fish business, was honored during a training event titled Skills Acquisition for Corps Members on Value Addition to Agricultural Commodities in Kwara State, organized by Synergy Impact Consultants Limited.
During the grant presentation and the opening ceremony of a five day training programme for 50 selected corps members, NSPRI’s Executive Director, Professor Lateef Sanni, emphasized the devastating impact of post harvest losses on Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He highlighted that post-harvest losses in the country range from 40% to 55%, contributing to the high prices of agricultural commodities. Globally, around $200 million is lost due to these inefficiencies, and Nigeria alone accounts for $5 billion of this loss annually.
Professor Sanni pointed out that if post-harvest losses could be reduced by just 25%, it would alleviate the problem of high commodity prices, improve food availability, and boost the country's economic health. He noted, If we can reduce post-harvest losses even by 25%, no one would be saying that there are high prices for commodities.
Reducing these losses could also have a direct impact on the income of farmers, processors, and transporters involved in agricultural production. With better storage solutions, farmers could preserve their crops for longer periods, increasing their earning potential. Professor Sanni also pointed out that this would create employment opportunities, particularly for young people in peri-urban areas, where activities like storage and post-harvest management could thrive.
The training programme further showcased products like sachet packaged tomato paste, highlighting how value addition could revolutionize the agricultural sector. Professor Sanni stressed the potential of transforming tomatoes, a crop abundantly grown in northern Nigeria, into products that can be stored and processed more efficiently.
NSPRI's efforts, in collaboration with the Kwara State government, are not just about reducing post harvest losses but also about empowering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the state commissioner for agriculture and rural development, praised the training and grant presentations, calling them transformative for the corps members and the country’s agricultural landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the NYSC state director, Mrs. Omolabake Adeniyi advised the selected corps members to seize the opportunity. From a pool of 8,000 corps members, only 50 were chosen to participate in the training. This underscores the importance of the program and the expectation that these corps members will go on to become leaders in the fight against post harvest losses.
With continued support and strategic interventions like NSPRI’s grant initiative, Nigeria can make significant strides in its agricultural development, ensuring food security and boosting economic growth.