The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), has collaborated with the Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), to flag off the distribution of Automated Solar Dryers,Agricultural products, processing and storage kits to Abia Farmers.
The event which took place at the premises of the Abia ADP, loopUmuahia, had the presence of the State Governor,Dr Okezie Ikpeazu,represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Commissioners, Head of Service,Permanent Secretaries and Directors of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Storage kits and Fish Dryer
In her speech, the Executive Director NSPRI,Dr Patricia Pessu, represented by the Zonal Coordinator South-South, South-East Zone, Dr Idoreyin Nwachujor, said the partnership with the Abia ADP came with the desire to increase Agricultural productivity in Abia State and also, forestall the incessant losses incured by farmers as a result of the inability to preserve their farm produce.
NSPRI Director giving information how the Storage kits are used
According to the NSPRI Director, their products are built to meet International standard, adding that their fish dryers and other storage kits are designed to preserve products for export.
She stated that apart from fabricating machines for storage,they also partner with State Governments, Agriculture Agencies to train their staff on best Agricultural practices.
The Executive Director disclosed that the Institute has built machines that can multi dry fish,meat and other crops, store grains and as well cool fishes.
The NSPRI Boss while commending the ADP for their partnership,which she said as a result of their closeness with farmers, stated that 10 smoking kilns,20 Hematic drums and several cooling kits were donated to Abia farmers.
Cross section of Attendees at the event
Delivering his address, the Programme Manager, Abia ADP, Chief Isreal Amanze, thanked the State Government for giving his establishment the impetus to collaborate with agencies and institutions to increase Agricultural productivity in Abia State, commending the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute,for considering Abia to benefit from the laudable project.
Abia ADP Programme Manager
Chief Amanze noted that the collaboration with the NSPRI was to bridge the technical gap of farmers on Agricultural production, processing and preservation of Agricultural commodities, adding that the establishment of the automated solar dryer was apt and timely, especially now that the country is faced with the challenge of food security system, occasioned by the activities of bandits, farmers/herders crisis,climate changes and environmental degradation.
He said the Solar dryer is designed to increase the life shelf of our agricultural products, increase market value during off season, enhance the preservation of produce and increase farmers income.
While appealing to NSPRI for the establishment of NSPRI outstation in the South East zone particularly in Abia state, the ADP Programme Manager, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the storage kits and facilities judiciously, so as to boost food sufficiency in Abia.
Earlier, the Governor of the State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, while commending the ADP for living up to its mandate of establishment, thanked the NSPRI for fabricating machines that can help farmers preserve crops during off peek period.
The Governor flagging off the Automated Solar Dryer
He said with the innovation, farmers can make more income from their produce, forestalling the incessant losses incured after harvest.
The Governor further reiterated the state government readiness to support Agriculture and programmes of ADP, revealing that Agriculture is one of the cardinal pillars of his administration, because of its potential to solve the problem of unemployment,food scarcity among others.
Sir Okey Ihedioha
Also in his remarks,the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sir Okey Ihedioha, said for the NSPRI to have done this much in presenting the equipment, indicates that they are ready to work with the Abia state government which is very encouraging and expressed their willingness to support them in every possible way.
The ceremony which featured the inspection of the Solar Dryer equipment and other facilities by the Governor’s representative attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Comrade Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu, his Boundary Matters and Conflict Resolutions Counterpart, Chief Ndom, Top Government Officials and stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector.
