The federal government has finalised arrangement to construct eight solar dryers with four in each of the federal constituencies nationwide.
This is expected to deal with the post harvest challenges faced by farmers in the country.
The plan would also go a long way to assist the farmers to dry their farm produce, thereby enhancing hygienic food production and security in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the flag-off of the training on pilot post-seasonal intervention programme in his constituency in Ilorin, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Abdulganiyu Olododo, said already, two of the solar dryers are ready for use in the federal constituency of the state.
[Also Read] NCDMB, stakeholders set to finalise Nigerian Content Ministerial Regulations draft
The lawmaker reiterated the need to diversify the economy so that agriculture would play a leading role.
“We cannot be left behind and there is no other time than now to acquire the skills needed in Agribusiness, that is why we involved NSPRI and other consultant to train you people on post seasonal management of roots and cereals and also on how to do business in agriculture,” he said.
According to him, one of the strategies towards increasing food production is to empower the farmers with skills which include the modern ways of drying agricultural produce and that was the reason he brought the intervention programme to his people in Ilorin East/ Ilorin South Federal Constituency.
“As part of revamping economic activities of my constituency and Kwara state, increasing agricultural production and post-harvest management would be targeted for poverty alleviation, job creation, food security and improved livelihood.
[Also Read] 60 Ogoni Youths Graduate from Shell -Sponsored Training for Farmers
“One of the failures of agricultural policies for addressing developmental challenges in developing countries particularly Nigeria is the lopsidedness of concentrating efforts on production at the expense of post-harvest activities.
“Yet, it is the agricultural activities such as storage and small scale processing after harvest that involves massive human engagement, which creates more small scale and family based business.
“Therefore, if agriculture is to be used for the development of the state, effective post-harvest management and value addition must be put in a place to complement the agricultural production activities.
[Also Read] FG has finalised $1bn credit from W’ Bank for power sector recovery – BPE boss
“This way, agriculture will have direct bearing on the economic viability of the zone and be beneficial to the nation,” the committee chairman stated
By Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja
Be the first to know when we publish an update
