Experts have recommended practical biotechnological preservation methods that can be adapted to existing rural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses in Nigeria.
They made the call during interviews with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.
Prof. Charles Adetunji, a biotechnologist, identified bio-preservation as Nigeria’s most viable immediate solution because it requires limited electricity and affordable local materials.
Bio-preservation uses beneficial microorganisms and natural compounds to delay spoilage in fruits, vegetables, and grains, which are commonly wasted after harvest.
Adetunji said farmers could adopt microbial coatings and bio-based preservatives without needing sophisticated machinery that is unavailable in many rural communities.
According to him, fermentation technologies and plant-derived antimicrobial extracts can significantly extend shelf life while preserving nutritional quality and market value.
He noted that irradiation also offers strong preservation potential but requires higher capital investment, specialised facilities, and strict regulatory monitoring.
“Irradiation can destroy harmful microbes and insects effectively, but infrastructure limitations currently restrict large-scale adoption across Nigeria,” he said.
Adetunji urged government agencies to establish regional biotechnology centres to support storage innovation, farmer education, and affordable preservation technologies.
Also speaking, Dr. Edwin Imuk, an agritech innovator, highlighted solar-powered cold storage integrated with biotechnology as another realistic solution for local farmers.
Imuk explained that combining bio-preservation techniques with renewable energy storage systems would reduce dependence on unstable electricity supplies that affect conventional cold-chain facilities.
He said smart packaging embedded with natural antimicrobial substances could help transport produce safely over long distances without rapid deterioration.
According to him, cassava, tomatoes, and peppers are highly vulnerable because inadequate storage and transportation systems accelerate spoilage before the products reach consumers.
Imuk added that digital monitoring tools could help farmers track temperature, humidity, and contamination risks during storage and distribution.
He stressed that local production of biodegradable preservation materials would reduce costs and encourage wider adoption among smallholder farmers.
The innovator called for stronger collaboration among universities, biotechnology firms, and agricultural cooperatives to commercialise affordable preservation technologies nationwide.
