Niger State Government Collaborates with Federal Ministry to Train Farmers on Solar Dryer Usage to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
The Niger State Ministry of Agriculture has conducted training for farmers on the use of solar-powered bubble dryers to preserve perishable agricultural products and reduce post-harvest losses.
This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, as well as Dare Consultant.
The Commissioner of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Honourable Bawa Musa Salihu Bosso, emphasized that the training aims to equip farmers with the knowledge needed to preserve their produce, minimize post-harvest losses, and ultimately increase their income.
Represented by Alhaji Maikasuwa Garba, Director of Agricultural Services and Linkages, Bosso stated that this training is part of a pilot program in Niger, aimed at introducing solar-powered bubble dryer technology to farmers.
He stressed the importance of adopting technology for food safety and highlighted the program’s goal of enhancing agricultural productivity while reducing losses.
“This training is designed to show our farmers how to use technology to dry their products. Farmers should avoid sun drying their produce by the roadside, as this practice is unhygienic. They must embrace modern technology to ensure the safety of the food we all consume,” he said.
Bosso also mentioned that the solar-powered bubble dryers, fabricated by Dare Consultant, will be made available to farmers at subsidized rates.
Alhaji Abubakar Manko, the Niger State Chairman of the All Farmers Association (AFAN), expressed enthusiasm for the training aimed at teaching farmers modern drying techniques to prevent post-harvest losses.
Manko, represented by Malam Danasabe Umaru, the Organizing Secretary of AFAN, stated that the association would encourage its members to take advantage of this opportunity to use the new machinery.
Similarly, Mrs. Helen Shaba, the state coordinator of the National Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWA), commended the organizers for providing training to farmers, particularly women.
Shaba, represented by Mrs. Victoria Alkali, noted that the training would enhance women farmers’ understanding of how to preserve their produce and reduce losses.
Malam Aliyu Anaba, a representative of the Young Farmers Association of Nigeria in Niger, pointed out that the bubble dryer would simplify the drying process for their members, who often face losses due to inadequate drying facilities.
During the session, Dr. Hassana Garba, the Director of Extension Services at the Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Agency (NAMDA), highlighted the advantages of the solar-powered bubble dryer.
“The machine effectively preserves farm produce, especially perishables like tomatoes, and significantly reduces post-harvest losses,” she said.
She added that the machine would help farmers maintain the quality and quantity of their produce while also increasing their income.
