Minna: The Niger Ministry for Agriculture, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and Dare Consultant, conducted a training session in Minna aimed at educating farmers on the use of solar-powered bubble dryers for preserving perishable farm produce.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the state's Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Bawa Musa, highlighted that the training was designed to teach farmers how to preserve their produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately increase their income. Represented by Alhaji Maikasuwa Garba, Director of Agric Services and Linkages, Musa emphasized that this initiative is part of a pilot program to introduce solar-powered bubble dryer technology to farmers.
"This training is to equip our farmers on the use of technology to sun their products, instead of sun drying their produce by the roadside. This roadside practice is unhygienic, hence the need to embrace technology for the safety of the food we all consume," Bawa stated. The solar-powered bubble dryer, fabricated by Dare Consultant, will be provided to farmers at subsidized rates.
Alhaji Abubakar Manko, the state's Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended the training initiative for educating farmers on modern sun-drying techniques. Represented by Malam Danasabe Umaru, Organising Secretary of AFAN, he expressed the association's intent to encourage its members to adopt the new technology.
Similarly, Mrs. Helen Shaba, Coordinator of the National Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWA) in the state, appreciated the training organizers for focusing on women farmers. Represented by Mrs. Victoria Alkali, Shaba noted that the training would enhance women's knowledge in preserving farm produce and reducing losses.
Malam Aliyu Anaba, representing the Young Farmers Association of Nigeria in Niger, observed that the dryer would simplify the drying process for members, addressing the challenge of produce loss due to inadequate drying facilities.
Dr. Hassana Garba, Director of Extension Services at the Niger State Agricultural Mechanisation Agency (NAMDA), delivered a presentation on the benefits of the solar-powered bubble dryer. She explained that the machine preserves farm produce, especially perishables like tomatoes, and reduces post-harvest losses. The technology is expected to help farmers maintain the quality and quantity of their produce and increase their income.