The Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr. Zephaniah Jisalo, has advised farmers in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, to adopt the use of solar-energy-powered bubble dryers to reduce post-harvest losses.
He advised during a two-day training on the use of solar energy-powered bubble dryers for the preservation of perishable farm produce on Friday in Minna.
The training was organised by the Niger Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and Dare Consultant.
Jisalo, represented by Amb. Edache Anthony from the Policy Research and Statistics Department of the Ministry, said the programme was to sensitise farmers on the use of solar energy-powered bubble dryers.
“We feel we should start the pilot phase with Niger State being an agricultural state and the governor being passionate about farming and agriculture,” he said.
He said the solar-powered bubble dryer would enable farmers to dry their produce without exposing it to the sun and reducing health hazards.
He added that it would also generate revenue for the state and local government areas.
He explained that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises food security.
According to him, food security is key because when you can dry these farm products and you store them, they can stay for as long as you want to use them.
He called on the participants to take advantage of the training and procure the equipment towards maximising its potential.
Also speaking, Lawal Mohammed from the Developmental Association of Renewable Energies said the solar-powered bubble dryer helps farmers to preserve perishable grains and vegetables.
“This helps in covering issues like post-harvest waste, as well as other food waste,” he said.
Mohammed said that the initiative was aimed at ensuring food security, adding that the association also promotes the use of clay cooking stoves, which would reduce wood consumption and promote environmental conservation.
Mohammed assured farmers that the products were available and affordable, especially for large-scale farmers.
One of the participants, Fatima Isah, commended the organisers of the training, saying it was a good innovation and improvement for farmers in the state.
“With this, our products will not get wasted again, thereby increasing our income. I will share this knowledge with our other members,” she said.