FG Commissions Multipurpose Grain Dryer to Increase Production and Reduce Post-Harvest Losses The Multipurpose Grain Dryer Machine was orde...
FG Commissions Multipurpose Grain Dryer to Increase Production and Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
The Multipurpose Grain Dryer Machine was ordered by the Federal Government in an effort to improve agriculture and lower post-harvest losses.
Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the Multipurpose Grain Dryer Machine was designed for Smallholder Farmers in order to reduce post-harvest losses, increase production, and improve the livelihood of Farming Families during the Commissioning Ceremony yesterday at Kwali Area Council in Abuja.
Shehuri continued by saying that the introduction of the grain dryer machine to smallholder farmers was consistent with the Ministry's comprehensive mechanization policy as outlined in the Green Imperative Project and that it would help the nation combat the high level of post-harvest losses while also preserving crops.
He emphasized that 90% of Nigerian farmers were smallholder farmers and that the Federal Government's strategy for modernizing the agricultural sector was to give the smallholder farmers more authority.
The Minister revealed that initiatives were being made to distribute dehydration devices to farmers throughout the nation's 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
"The drying infrastructure you are seeing today is a pilot project, and work is underway to install this dryer in nearly all 774 local governments across the nation," he stated.
"Commissioning these machines at this time is the proper choice. In this nation, 90% of farmers are small-holder farmers. Our strategy for revolutionizing agriculture is to give these smallholder farmers more authority.
Because the cooperative approach is not deeply ingrained in our culture, you will find that by the time cooperative communities or groups are formed, disputes over the machine will have already begun.
In order to reach out to the farmers in attendance, we would welcome it if the makers developed a more affordable, user-friendly technology.
The Minister did, however, charge that the facility and proper use of the machines must benefit farmers.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, stated in his welcome speech that the new extension approach of providing necessary Machines to farmers' groups would guarantee to treat Agriculture as a business venture to attract the necessary investments, innovations, and best practices for National Development. He was represented by the Director of, the General Services Department, Mr. Solomon Abdul.
The adoption of the multigrain dyer technology, according to earlier remarks by Engr. Frank Kudla, Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, would significantly improve food security in the nation, effectively expand marketing opportunities, and help smallholder farmers improve their standard of living.
The Multigrain Dryer, he continued, would support the Agricultural Extension Services' initiatives to reduce Post-Harvest Losses (PHLS) in Nigeria.
Etsu Shaban Audu, the traditional ruler of Kwali, praised the federal government for gifting the smallholder farmers with the multi-purpose drying machine in a goodwill message.
The Multi-Purpose Crop/Grain Drying Machine's commissioning by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and other dignitaries was the event's high point. While guests were entertained by a traditional Kwali dance group.
The GTR 750 Mobile Dryer can dry 1000 kg of maize per hour and lower the moisture content by 10%. The machine also has a 290kw (direct) heating capability and a 12000m3 (per hour) air capacity.