NSPRI Trains Agripreneurs on Handling and Storage of Agricultural Products
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ibadan Zone, conducted a two-day training for agripreneurs on November 26th – 27th, 2024. This event marked the third phase of NSPRI’s Capacity Building on Postharvest Management of Agricultural Products, focusing on handling and storage techniques to minimize postharvest losses. The training combined lectures and hands-on sessions, starting with an opening address by Engr. Dr. Oyewole Shuaeeb Niyi, the Zonal Coordinator of NSPRI Ibadan, who represented the Executive Director, Professor Sanni Lateef Oladimeji. He emphasized that postharvest losses, reaching up to 40% annually, significantly impact farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Oyewole attributed these losses to biological agents like insects, rodents, and microorganisms, as well as physical and environmental factors such as poor sanitation, inadequate storage facilities, temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content. He highlighted key measures to combat these challenges, stressing the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and proper storage techniques.
Participants were introduced to NSPRI’s non-synthetic solutions, including hermetic storage bags, hermetic steel drums, improved inert atmosphere silos, and NSPRIDUST®, an eco-friendly biopesticide. He also shared optimal storage parameters for grains, such as maintaining moisture content at 13–15%, temperature at 25–33°C, and relative humidity at 60–80%.The hands-on sessions demonstrated practical storage solutions like the NSPRI Ice Fish Box® for fresh fish, ventilated plastic crates for transporting tomatoes and fruits, and vegetable baskets for leafy greens. Participants also learned to identify insects that threaten stored products.
During a discussion session, a participant, Mrs. Olayemi Aisida, raised concerns about the use of harmful synthetic chemicals like Sniper and DDT for preserving grains and fish in Nigerian markets. Dr. Oyewole acknowledged the issue and reaffirmed NSPRI’s efforts to educate the public on the dangers of these chemicals and promote safe alternatives. He noted the need for attitudinal change and ethical practices among stakeholders. Another participant, Chaplain Ednah Oluwagbohunmi, praised NSPRI’s commitment to capacity building and urged the Institute to continue its impactful work.
Dr. Oyewole, in his concluding remarks, called for increased awareness campaigns against synthetic pesticide misuse and encouraged participants to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), prioritize safety, and seek expert guidance when using chemicals. This training highlights NSPRI’s dedication to improving agricultural practices, reducing losses, and ensuring food safety, benefiting farmers and the broader agricultural community.
