Farmers Trained on Rice Post-Harvest Handling Techniques in Niger Foods–AGRA Workshop
By Rashidat AbdulRahman
Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, in partnership with AGRA, organized a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening rice post-harvest handling practices and boosting competitiveness across Niger and Kaduna States.
The training, held at the company’s head office, was themed “Profile Market Actors and Training on Post-Harvest Handling.”
The workshop brought together farmers, aggregators, processors, and other market actors to equip them with practical skills for reducing post-harvest losses and improving rice quality along the value chain.
Participants were guided through three core modules covering the causes of post-harvest losses, early handling techniques, key processing methods, storage with quality assurance, and knowledge dissemination strategies.
Resource persons from Niger Foods led the technical sessions. The Program Coordinator, Engr. Bashir Khalil Tanko, served as the lead trainer, supported by Balogun Oluwaseun Abdulakeem, the project manager, and Babakeke Muhammed, the lead Research Data Analyst.
The facilitators emphasized modern threshing and drying methods, best practices for storage systems, and quality control measures. A “Train the Trainer” model was also introduced to ensure continued community-level knowledge sharing and transfer.
The event provided an interactive platform for practical demonstrations and discussions, enabling stakeholders to enhance their skills in post-harvest management.
Organizers noted that the initiative contributes to building a more efficient and resilient rice value chain in Nigeria, especially at a time when food security concerns are critical.
One of the participant, Hauwa Mohammed, the Women Leader of the Tinubu/Bago Ruga Ruga group, expressed her appreciation for the training, noting that she gained valuable knowledge.
She pledged, on behalf of the group, to relay the training to other members to ensure broader impact.
