Chief Researcher at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) Dr. Oyelakin Oyeniyi, has called on individuals, Non-Governmental Organisations, International Organisation, Research Institutes, Colleges and Universities to proffer solutions to the challenges associated with post-harvest losses in Nigeria.
Oyelakin said the country must be able to get the best from whatever it produces for it to be self-reliant and sufficient on food.
Oyeniyi stated this while delivering a lecture on activities of Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) on Fit crown Agro Technical Enterprise platform recently.
According to him, the high cost of food is due to increasing demand as a result of increasing population without a corresponding increase in food production coupled with the high level of post-harvest losses.
He however said as part of the solution to this high cost of food, the government should put more resources into post-harvest research, adequate processing and value addition.
Speaking on the efforts of NSPRI, he said, “We have well trained and experienced research officers in areas of post-harvest. We are always in continuous work to evolve new things. Unlike the other research institutes whose mandate is to develop different species and varieties. We are in post-harvest loss prevention. Though other research institutes are now delving into the post-harvest aspect of their crops. There should be a collaborative synergy between us all to help the country.”
On funding, he said, “Government is trying, there is still room for improvement. All hands of all stakeholders must be on desk to achieve more success. Government alone cannot solve all problems in agriculture.”
Speaking further he said, “The Institute has developed proven processes and technologies for preservation of various agricultural commodities which are suitable for household level and small and medium enterprises. The developed technologies are deployed to various parts of the country using an aggressive extension approach.
Oyeniyi said funding continues to be a major challenge to the smooth running of the institute.
“The institute has the required experienced researchers and proven technologies that need adoption. Fund for further research and continuous development or improvement of these already developed technologies.
“Adequate publicity on the available technologies and their adoptions. Synergy and collaboration between NSPRI, other sister research institutes, universities, organizations, all stakeholders on post-harvest loss prevention.”