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NSPRI Empowers Agri-preneurs For Independence, Postharvest Loss Reduction
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has empowered agri-preneurs with skills to be self-independent and reduce post-harvest losses.
The two-day training was held recently at its Lagos Zonal office on Barikisu Iyede Street, Yaba, Lagos, and centered around post-harvest management, particularly focusing on how to add value to agricultural products such as 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 post-harvest 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 post-harvest 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 post-harvest 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, commended 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 post-harvest losses head-on and to foster entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to job creation and wealth generation in their communities.