Don Seeks Tech Solutions For Post- Harvest Losses In Nigeria
Nigeria must embrace advanced technology to combat post-harvest losses, which threaten food security and farmers’ livelihoods, says Professor Abdulganiy Raji, an expert in Agriculture and Environmental Engineering. Speaking in Ilorin at the 2025 in-house technical review meeting and productivity award of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Prof. Raji lamented that over 40 percent of agricultural produce is wasted due to poor handling, storage, and transportation.
“Our farmers work hard, but a significant portion of their produce never reaches consumers due to post-harvest losses. If we integrate E-oracle technology, we can drastically reduce waste and improve food availability,” he said. E-oracle, a digital tool designed to enhance post-harvest management, incorporates multiple technological components to track food quality from farms to markets. Raji stressed that its adoption would not only modernize agricultural research but also align Nigeria’s sector with global standards.
“When we apply this technology, we ensure that our research findings are useful, market-driven, and globally acceptable. We cannot afford to keep losing food and resources due to outdated post-harvest management methods,” he added. Beyond economic losses, Prof. Raji warned of the environmental consequences of food spoilage, noting that decaying agricultural produce emits methane, which contributes to climate change.
Supporting the call for technology-driven solutions, NSPRI Executive Director, Prof. Lateef Sanni, highlighted the Institute’s efforts in fostering research and innovation to tackle post-harvest challenges. “In the last two years, our collaborations with governments, private organizations, and universities have led to over 15 signed Memoranda of Understanding, strengthening research and technological advancements in the post-harvest value chain,” Prof. Sanni said. He emphasized that the training for research personnel and the integration of digital tools in agriculture would not only enhance productivity but also improve farmers’ income and food security across the country.
