The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has intensified efforts to tackle postharvest losses in Nigeria’s agricultural sector through a comprehensive capacity-building programme held at its Ibadan Zonal Office in Onireke, Oyo State on 5th-6th May, 2026.
The two-day training, themed “Capacity Building on Postharvest Management of Agricultural Products,” brought together farmers, processors, agribusiness investors and other stakeholders to explore modern techniques in food preservation, processing, and value addition.
In his welcoming address, the Executive Director of NSPRI, Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, who joined the event virtually encouraged the participants to leverage the training programme for business opportunities, adding that they can add value to tomatoes by converting tomatoes to puree and start business with it. He said this alone can help them to sustain themselves and their families.
The NSPRI boss said that if it was not possible to start the business individually, participants can come together as a group and start, adding that starting small is the key while they watch the business grow. Sanni noted this as the essence of the opportunity NSPRI provided to the participants through this training. He stressed that government nowadays is supporting clusters of groups through cooperatives or existing farmer’s groups.
He said further that the training was an opportunity for the participants to come together to champion the course of food security in the country as he expressed confidence in the participants’ ability to learn a lot from.the training and wished them well in the hands-on practical sessions.
Speaking during the training, the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Mariam Bukola. Aremu, emphasized that postharvest management remains a critical, yet, often neglected component of agriculture. He noted that significant quantities of food are lost between harvest and consumption due to poor handling, inadequate storage, and inefficient processing systems.
According to her, postharvest management encompasses all activities carried out after harvesting to maintain the quality and quantity of produce, ensuring that food gets to consumers in the right form, place, and time. She stressed that effective postharvest practices would guarantee year-round food availability, stabilize prices, and boost farmers’ income.
The training highlighted the dangers of traditional practices such as roadside drying, poor storage, and contamination, which often lead to spoilage, pest infestation, and health risks like aflatoxin contamination.
To address these challenges, NSPRI showcased a range of innovative technologies, including solar dryers, multi-crop dryers, evaporative cooling systems, and hermetic storage solutions. These technologies, according to her, help extend shelf life, maintain nutritional quality, and reduce dependence on harmful chemicals.
One of the notable innovations presented was the NSPRI-developed Ice Fish Box, capable of preserving fresh fish for up to 48 hours, alongside improved grain storage systems that eliminate insect infestation without chemical use.
The training also featured sessions on agri-food processing, with a focus on drying green leafy vegetables, fruit processing, and tomato value addition. NSPRI experts also demonstrated how simple techniques such as solar drying and proper packaging can transform perishable produce into high-value, marketable products like dried vegetables, tomato paste, ketchup, and fruit chips.
Resource persons explained that value addition not only reduces waste but also creates employment opportunities, especially for youth and women, while enhancing food security.
A NSPRI facilitator highlighted the importance of hygiene, proper sorting, and controlled drying conditions to ensure product safety and quality. She added that solar drying offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for smallholder farmers.
Another session focused on fruit processing, where participants learned techniques for producing dried pineapple rings, and mango chips, both of which have strong market potential locally and internationally.
Concluding the programme, NSPRI reiterated that investment in postharvest management is a profitable venture capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. The institute urged stakeholders to adopt improved technologies and practices to minimize losses, improve food quality, and increase economic returns.
Participants described the training as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained would enhance their productivity and profitability.
The initiative forms part of NSPRI’s broader mandate to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food security across Nigeria.
