NSPRI Urges Enhanced Storage Techniques to Curb Widespread Postharvest Losses
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has stressed the urgent need for improved storage practices to address the alarming 40% postharvest loss of agricultural produce each year in Nigeria. This was conveyed by the NSPRI Executive Director, Professor Oladimeji Sanni, represented by Dr. Bukola Mariam Aremu, the current Zonal Coordinator for NSPRI’s Ibadan office, during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop on postharvest management, held at the NSPRI Ibadan office from April 8th to 9th, 2025.
Speaking to the participants on behalf of NSPRI Executive Director, Dr.(Mrs) Mariam emphasized on the pivotal role of effective postharvest management in combating the widespread losses caused by environmental, biological, and physical factors, adding that insects, animals, microorganisms, temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute immeasurably to the degradation of agricultural produce. Dr. Mariam noted that these challenges have a direct and devastating impact on farmers, processors, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. She stated that “the significance of this training cannot be overstated”, stressing that poor storage and handling practices are detrimental to both farmers’ investments and the nation’s food security. She noted that proper postharvest management not only extends the shelf life of produce but also ensures consumer acceptance, stabilizes market prices, and guarantees year-round food availability.
While delivering a lecture on processing and drying of agricultural produce, Dr. Mariam stated that poor drying and processing methods are the major sources of contamination and spoilage, and urged participants to adopt better practices to reduce pest and microbial infections. Introducing NSPRI improved technology to the participants, Dr. Mariam identified NSPRI’s range of innovative technologies which were designed to enhance storage and reduce postharvest losses. She mentioned mechanical dryers, ice fish boxes, inert atmosphere silos, smoking kilns, hermetic drums, and evaporative cooling systems, among others as improved NSPRI technologies. According to Dr. Mariam, “these technologies, she explained, are essential in improving the efficiency of agricultural products storage”.
The workshop had the participation of 19 professionals, including farmers, engineers, traders, and retired civil servants from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The attendees expressed their appreciation for the training, and stated that they gained valuable insights and practical knowledge. Many of the participants promised to implement the skills acquired and share them with others to foster wider improvements in the nation’s agricultural sector.
