In trying to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of locally produced rice, Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, in collaboration with AGRA, has trained key actors across the rice value chain on modern post-harvest handling techniques.
By Anna Moses
The one-day capacity building workshop which held at the company’s head office, brought together farmers, aggregators, processors and other market participants from Niger and Kaduna States.
With the theme “Profile Market Actors and Training on Post-Harvest Handling,” the workshop focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge and practical skills to boost the competitiveness of rice produced within the region.
The sessions covered three major modules which include causes of post-harvest losses and early handling practices, improved processing methods, and modern storage and quality assurance procedures, including strategies for wider knowledge dissemination.
Technical experts from Niger Foods anchored the training. The Programme Coordinator, Bashir Khalil Tanko, served as the lead resource person, supported by Project Manager, Balogun Oluwaseun Abdulakeem and Lead Research Data Analyst, Babakeke Muhammed.
Together, they emphasized the importance of adopting modern threshing and drying techniques, standardised storage systems, and consistent quality control measures.
At the training, a train-the-trainer model was introduced to ensure that knowledge acquired at the workshop is replicated at community level.
The highly interactive session featured practical demonstrations and open discussions, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in effective post-harvest management.
Organisers explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s rice value chain at a time when food security remains a national priority.
Speaking after the training, the Women Leader of the Tinubu/Bago Ruga Ruga group, Hauwa Mohammed, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that she had acquired valuable insights that would enhance her group’s activities.
She pledged to step down the training to other members to ensure that the impact reaches farmers at the grassroots.
