Ekiti women farmers receive tutelage on post-harvest handling of plantain, pineapple, value addition
In a bid to promote food security and economic empowerment, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), has trained 30 women farmers in Oye Local Government Area, Ekiti State.
The programme focused on equipping participants with skills in postharvest handling and value addition for plantains and pineapples. It covered techniques to extend shelf life, reduce postharvest losses, and ensure product quality through improved technologies. Additionally, participants were taught the economics of value-added products, record-keeping, and marketing strategies to drive profitability.
Speaking during the training, the Executive Director of NIHORT, Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda (represented by Dr. I.O. Amao), emphasized that horticulture remains a viable sector for sustainable income generation and economic growth. He highlighted that effective postharvest handling minimizes losses, ensuring that crops retain their quality from farm to consumer. The value addition of plantains and pineapples, he noted, offers lucrative opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs.
The training also received commendation from local stakeholders, including Chief Joseph Osasona, representing the Attah of Aiyede Kingdom, who urged participants to maximize the opportunity and disseminate the knowledge gained. Beneficiaries like Mrs. Ikupolusi Mojisola and Mrs. Adenike Osasona expressed gratitude, affirming the impact of the training in enhancing their capacity for value addition and knowledge-sharing within their communities.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to empower women in agribusiness, generate employment, and contribute to national food security through sustainable practices.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
Key Insights for Stakeholders
This training highlights the critical role of postharvest management and value addition in enhancing the agri-food value chain. By focusing on plantains and pineapples—crops with high economic potential—the initiative addresses common challenges such as postharvest losses and market access.
Opportunities for Action;
1. Adopt Value-Addition Models: Stakeholders should support smallholder farmers in creating value-added products such as plantain chips and pineapple juice, which have strong market demand locally and internationally.
2. Access to Financing: Women farmers trained in these skills may require funding to establish processing centers or purchase postharvest handling equipment. Microfinance institutions and agribusiness programs could step in to provide low-interest loans.
3. Collaborations: Public-private partnerships can amplify the impact of such initiatives by connecting trained farmers to larger supply chains, ensuring consistent demand for value-added products.
Long-Term Benefits;
1. Reduced Losses: Efficient postharvest handling ensures less waste, translating to higher earnings for farmers.
2. Empowerment: Skill acquisition among women strengthens their role in agribusiness, fostering inclusive economic growth.
3. Food Security: By extending the shelf life of crops, stakeholders can stabilize food supply, especially in times of scarcity.
Next Steps for Agri-Food Leaders
1. Scale up similar training programs across other regions in Nigeria to include diverse crops.
2. Provide market linkages for value-added products to ensure farmers can monetize their skills effectively.
3. Encourage knowledge-sharing platforms where trained individuals can mentor others, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment.
4. This initiative serves as a model for leveraging knowledge transfer to achieve sustainable growth in Nigeria’s horticulture sector.
