NSPRI Highlights Innovation and Collaboration in Scaling Postharvest Technologies at NIFST Event
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has highlighted the significance of innovation and collaboration in scaling postharvest technologies at the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) event which took place on Tuesday 15th October, 2024 at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Kano State.
The event was chaired by the Executive Director of NSPRI, Professor Lateef Sanni Oladimeji. He energized the audience with a brief exercise before introducing his management team and the lead speaker, Dr. Abass of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). In his keynote presentation, Dr. Abass highlighted the importance of designing technologies with scalability in mind, drawing from his experience in the cassava flour sector. He stressed that successful scaling could create jobs, increase income, and reduce poverty, and urged researchers to embed scalability in their proposals and research designs. He noted that there was the need for younger researchers to improve innovation in postharvest technology fabrication to drive continuous progress.
A NSPRI's management member, Dr.(Mrs) Otitodun Grace said the critical role of innovation and collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s postharvest sector cannot be overemphazised. Following Dr. Abass' presentation, a panel discussion which featured experts from various institutions started. Prof. Adebowale. A of IITA discussed their fruitful partnership with NSPRI, particularly their collaboration on a ten-hectare cassava flour project. Also speaking, Dr. Hamisu Kofarmata, who represented the Sasakawa Africa Association, spoke on the distribution of inert storage silos to communities in Kano State to reduce postharvest losses. He praised NSPRI's hermetic storage drums, which have received positive feedback from farmers.
Also, Engr. (Dr.) S.O. Kamaldeen, who represented the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), shared their organization's success in constructing solar dryers across Kano State, which have significantly improved tomato drying technology. Dr. Michael Omodara of NSPRI also provided a historical perspective on the Institute’s evolution and emphasized the need for partnerships to scale proven technologies, such as the plastic crates which are now widely used for tomato transportation.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Sanni thanked all participants and collaborators, and stressed that partnerships are essential for making a lasting impact. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from researchers and stakeholders to scale postharvest technologies that drive food security and economic growth in Nigeria.
