NSPRI empowers agri-preneurs to drive job creation, postharvest loss reduction

THE Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), recently empowered agri-preneurs with skills to be self-independent and reduce post-harvest loss.

The training, held between March 11 and 12 at its Lagos Zonal office on Barikisu Iyede Street, Yaba, Lagos and centered around postharvest management, particularly focusing on how to add value to agricultural products like grains, roots, and tubers.

With a hands-on approach making up a whopping 90 percent of the training, participants got their hands dirty, learning to create value-added products such as bean flour, ground rice, odourless fufu, poundo yam, and flavoured pap.

The training also delved into essential postharvest management practices and highlighted the importance of packaging in enhancing the value of agricultural goods.

Rounding off the programme, participants were conducted round the NSPRI facility, where participants had the chance to discover even more postharvest solutions beyond what was covered in the training.

The diverse group of attendees, representing various ages and genders, participated both in person and online.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Director of NSPRI, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Shuaeeb Oyewole, expressed heartfelt thanks to the trainees. He stressed that the skills and knowledge gained during the training could significantly help in reducing agricultural losses, creating job opportunities, and fighting poverty. He also encouraged everyone to become advocates for postharvest loss reduction in their communities.

Participants, including Mrs. Olayinka Immanuel and Mrs. Olubunmi Afolabi, who joined virtually from the United States and Osogbo, Osun State, respectively, expressed gratitude for the training.

Mr. Christopher, a returning participant, praised the training for its focus on practical skills and expressed his eagerness for future sessions.

Everyone left with a commitment to use what they learned to tackle postharvest losses head-on and to foster entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to job creation and wealth generation in their communities.

READ ALSO: NSPRI presents N2m grant to corps member for reducing post-harvest losses