AGRA Facilitates Two-Day Training to Enhance Post-Harvest Management and Rice Bran Feed Production in Niger and Kaduna
By Rashidat AbdulRahman
Farmers and key stakeholders from Niger and Kaduna States participated in an intensive two-day training on post-harvest management and rice bran utilization for cattle feed, supported by AGRA and organized by Niger Foods.
Held at the Niger Foods office and the Feedlot Breeding Centre in Tagwai, Minna, the event titled “Increasing the Competitiveness of Rice through Market-Oriented Systems” aimed to improve rice quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate additional income within the rice value chain.
On the first day, Niger Foods Project Manager Abdul Hakeem Oluwaseen Balogun highlighted major causes of post-harvest loss, including poor threshing, inadequate drying, and weak transportation systems. He stressed the importance of improved milling, sorting, and storage techniques to enhance grain quality and market value.
Balogun encouraged participants to adopt pest-resistant storage solutions and share best practices within their communities to benefit fellow farmers.
The second day focused on value addition through transforming rice bran, typically a byproduct, into nutritious cattle feed. Dr. Tumsiyya Mann Isah, Livestock Coordinator at Niger Foods, provided insights into the nutritional benefits of rice bran, feed formulation, and safe handling procedures.
Practical demonstrations led by Dr. Mahmud Suleiman Abdullahi enabled participants to learn ingredient selection, proper measurement, and formulation techniques.
Participant Mahmmed Abubakar Enagi, Chair of the People Living with Disabilities Farmers Cooperative in Niger State, commended the training for shifting farmers’ approach from subsistence to market-driven agribusiness.
Niger Foods expressed gratitude to AGRA for sponsoring the initiative, viewing it as a vital step toward strengthening Nigeria’s rice value chain and promoting resilience.
