By Dwelleth Morountodun
In a bid to boost Agriculture productivity and reduce post – harvest losses, the Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja commissioned the Multipurpose Grain Dryer Machine.
Recall that the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon Mustapha Shehuri, not too long quoted Action Aid Report that Nigeria losses N3.5 trillion annually from post harvest agriculture.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Minister stated that the multipurpose grain dryer machine was meant for smallholder farmers in order to reduce post-harvest losses, boost production and enhanced livelihood of farming families.
The Minister further stated that the introduction of the machine to the smallholder farmers was in line with the ministry’s comprehensive mechanization policy as presented in the green imperative project, adding that it would aid in tackling the high level of post-harvest losses in the country as well as preservation of crops.
The Minister pointed out that 90% of farmers in Nigeria are smallholder farmers and that the Federal Government’s approach towards revolutionizing the Agricultural Sector was to empower the Smallholders Farmers.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, represented by the Director, General Services Department, Mr. Solomon Abdul stated that the new extension approach of providing necessary Machines to farmers group would guarantee treating Agriculture as a business venture to attract the necessary investments, innovations and best practices for National Development.
In his remark, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Engr. Frank Kudla, said that the adoption of the multigrain dyer technology would effectively expand marketing opportunities, contribute to better livelihood of smallholder farmers and significantly enhance Food Security in the country.
He added that the multigrain dryer would strengthen the agricultural extension services efforts to effectively promote post-harvest losses reduction across the country.
In a goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Kwali, Etsu Shaban Audu, commended the federal government for providing the multi- purpose dryer machine for the smallholder farmers.
Highlight of the event was the commissioning of the Multi-Purpose Crop/Grain Drying Machine by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and other Dignitaries. While a Traditional dance group from Kwali entertained guests.
The GTR 750 mobile dryer has the capacity to dry 1000kg of maize per hour and reduce its moisture by 10 percent. In addition, the machine has heating capacity of 290kw (direct) and air capacity of 12000m3 per hour.
Signed: Mohammed Gana, for Director, Information (FMARD).