The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) on Wednesday distributed storage facilities to 11 women farming groups in Yobe.
Speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Ali Kolo, Programme Manager, Yobe Agricultural Development Programme, said the equipment included smocking kiln, ice fish box and hermetic steel drum.
He listed the benefitting groups to include Women Fish Processing, Taimakon Kaidakai, Women Fish and Small Ruminants farmers, Gujba Women Development Initiative and Amshi Women Fish Farmers.
Kolo commended the Institute for targeting vulnerable women in the distribution of the equipment which would add value to their produce.
In his remarks, Mr Ibrahim Elisha, Research Officer 2, NSPRI, said the Institute was mandated “ to conduct research, build capacity and disseminate research output in the postharvest management of agricultural crops produced in Nigeria”.
“ In an effort to improve the postharvest handling and safety of agricultural commodities in Nigeria, our Institute is distributing improved postharvest technologies (NSPRI Smoking Kiln, Ice Fish Box, NSPRI Hermetic Steel Drum ) to selected beneficiaries in the postharvest value chain in selected states across geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
“ NSPRI Smoking Kiln is an efficient technology for drying fish and meat. The use of NSPRI smoking kiln ensures high quality products with permissible polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
“ Ice Fish Box is a cold chain technology developed for extension of shelf-life of fresh fish. It is an effective means of handling fish for transportation, distribution, and marketing.
“NSPRI Hermetic Steel drum is an airtight technology developed by NSPRI for non-chemical preservation of dried crops/products (such as grains, pulses, roots, tubers, fruits, vegetables, fisheries, and livestock).
“ NSPRI Steel Drum can be used at household/domestic and small-scale storage levels,” he said.
Elisha said the first phase of handing over of the equipment to beneficiaries had already occurred in Kogi, Niger, Edo and Delta states between Oct. 12 and 14.
A beneficiary, Aisha Wali, thanked the Institute for the facilities and pledged to make judicious use of them.
