70 Delta Farmers Get Lifeline as N3.5tn Post-Harvest Loss Crisis Deepens

More than 70 farmers in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, have received improved grain storage bags and practical training aimed at helping them reduce post-harvest losses and preserve the quality of their produce.

The initiative was organised through a partnership between the Postharvest Education Foundation (PEF), USA, and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), with the training taking place at Ubulu-Uku Primary School over the weekend.

PICS Bags Introduced to Smallholder Farmers

Farmers participating in the programme were provided with Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, a storage technology designed to protect grains from insects and other forms of deterioration.

The practical sessions were facilitated by PEF’s Dr Lisa Kitinoja and NSPRI Senior Research Officer, Dr Anthony Isiekwene, who demonstrated how farmers can properly use the bags to preserve their harvests for longer periods.

Isiekwene described the technology as an affordable option for smallholder farmers seeking to protect their crops after harvest.

Better Storage Could Improve Farmers’ Earnings

According to Isiekwene, effective storage can give farmers greater flexibility when deciding when to sell their produce.

Rather than being forced to dispose of crops immediately after harvest when market supply is high and prices can fall, farmers with adequate storage can preserve their produce and wait for more favourable market conditions.

He therefore encouraged beneficiaries to follow the recommended procedures when using the PICS bags to ensure their stored grains remain protected.

Nigeria Faces Billions in Post-Harvest Losses

The intervention comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s persistent post-harvest challenge, with losses estimated at about N3.5 trillion annually.

Recent figures cited during the programme indicate that between 30 million and 40 million metric tonnes of food are lost in Nigeria each year, highlighting the scale of the problem facing farmers and the wider food supply chain.

The organisers believe that giving smallholder farmers access to appropriate storage technologies and practical knowledge can play an important role in reducing those losses.

Global Adoption of PICS Technology

The PICS storage system has already been adopted in agricultural communities beyond Nigeria.

Data from PICS producers indicate that more than 50 million bags had been manufactured and sold worldwide by December 2023, with cumulative cash benefits to farmers reportedly exceeding $3 billion.

Isiekwene said NSPRI had helped facilitate access to the technology in Ubulu-Uku, while recognising the support of the institute’s Executive Director, Professor Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, in procuring the bags.

Farmers Seek More Drying Solutions

While welcoming the intervention, some beneficiaries said storage was only one part of the post-harvest challenge.

One farmer, Mr Igbiki, said the bags would be useful for preserving dried maize, ogbono, pepper, egusi, beans and other agricultural products.

He also called for additional interventions to address difficulties associated with drying farm produce, pointing to NSPRI technologies such as the Parabolic Shaped Solar Dryer and Hermetic Steel Drums as possible solutions.

Community Group Helps Mobilise Beneficiaries

Progressive Circle, Ubulu-Uku, supported the programme by mobilising farmers, compiling the list of beneficiaries and coordinating the community event.

The organisation’s president, Paul Monye, described the initiative as the first of its kind in the community and appealed to Isiekwene and other stakeholders to continue supporting agricultural development in Ubulu-Uku.

Monye also expressed hope that participating farmers would not only adopt the storage practices but also share the knowledge with other farmers in the community and surrounding areas.

NSPRI Highlights Practical Approach

Reflecting on the programme, Isiekwene said the project showed that smallholder farmers could be directly equipped with both the knowledge and technology required to tackle post-harvest losses.

He stressed the importance of proper use of the storage bags and encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of the technology provided.

Isiekwene also acknowledged the contributions of Okocha Christopher (Tofa), Victor Ibegbulem, Frank Isitua and Emmanuella Isiekwene to the success of the initiative.

Focus Shifts From Production to Preservation

The Ubulu-Uku intervention underscores the growing emphasis on preserving food after it leaves the farm, rather than focusing solely on increasing agricultural production.

For the participating farmers, improved storage could mean fewer losses, better-quality produce and greater control over when their crops enter the market.

The organisers hope the knowledge and technology introduced through the programme will spread beyond the initial beneficiaries and contribute to stronger post-harvest practices across the community.