Institute Commences Training on Postharvest Crop Management

The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has commenced training on postharvest crop management for rural women farmers in the Northern part of the country.

The Executive Director of NSPRI, Dr Patricia Pessu, speaking at the opening ceremony in Kano on Wednesday, said the objective of the training was to encourage self-reliance, self-employment and productivity among rural women, adding that it will also assist in reducing post harvest grain losses.

Represented by the NSPRI Zonal Coordinator, Kano, Dr Olaleye Oladimeji, the executive director noted that the institute was mandated to maintain quality, safety and security of food in the country.

She said, “Rural women are mostly engaged in agriculture; it is therefore expedient for them to garner knowledge that will make them engage and excel in agribusiness which is a critical asset to achieving sustainable food security.”

Pessu urged the beneficiaries to cascade what they have learnt to other women in their respective areas.

On his part, the Director, Agricultural Services, Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdulkadir Sanusi-Madobi, said the training would assist in reducing economic losses of crops after harvest, pointing out that women are critical stakeholders in farming and food processing.

Also, Sanusi-Madobi informed that the State Government had supported rural women with farm inputs and trained them on various agricultural practices.

According to him, the development would enhance agricultural productivity and achieve food security in the state.

Agro Nigeria