NSPRI grants N2m to corps member for curbing post-harvest losses

The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in Ilorin, Kwara State, has awarded a grant of N2 million to Miss Zainab Adam, a corps member recognized for her efforts in reducing post-harvest losses through her smoked fish business.

Miss Adam was honored during a training programme titled “Skills Acquisition for Corps Members on Value Addition to Agricultural Commodities in Kwara State,” organized by Synergy Impact Consultants Limited. The event also marked the start of a five-day training session for 50 selected corps members in the state.

Speaking at the award presentation, Professor Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of NSPRI, stressed the critical impact of post-harvest losses, which account for 40-55% of agricultural losses in Nigeria.

He noted that this issue contributes to the rising cost of commodities, adding that global losses amount to nearly $200 million annually, with Nigeria losing about $5 billion.

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Professor Sanni explained that addressing these losses could significantly reduce commodity prices and boost the country’s agricultural output.

He highlighted the importance of preserving products like tomatoes, which are abundant in the North, as a way to mitigate the effects of these losses.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, praised NSPRI’s initiative, emphasizing the potential of the corps members to drive positive change in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Mrs. Omolabake Adeniyi, representing the NYSC state director, encouraged the beneficiaries to fully leverage the opportunity, noting that they were selected from 8,000 corps members.