The Federal Government’s IFAD VCDP Additional Financing has expressed dismay over the underutilization of rice threshing machines by rice farmers, leading to a high percentage of post-harvest losses in Niger State.
The State Programme Coordinator, Hajiya Habitat Isah, stated this during the training of rice farmers on using threshers, harvest, and post-harvest practices in Majigari community, Katcha local government.
Isah, represented by the Agricultural Production Officer, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, noted that despite receiving threshers as grants to increase harvest yields and reduce post-harvest losses, many farmers have reverted to traditional methods.
She decried the alarming 40% post-harvest loss rate recorded by Nigerian farmers due to the failure to put threshing machines to use, which could enhance their harvest and economic livelihoods.
“We’re training rice farmers on optimal harvest and post-harvest practices, introducing best practices for dry-season production. Embracing the post-harvest practices will ensure increased income, higher yield, and reduced poverty,” she said.
Mustapha P. Gaiya, a Shiroro Local Government beneficiary, revealed that the threshers have greatly assisted in boosting his harvest and economic growth.
“Using the thresher, I can process over 40 bags of paddy rice daily. I also offer threshing services to other farmers, who had earlier claimed traditional methods are better, to increase my income,” he stated.
The Lead Consultant for the IFAD programme in the state, Prof. Abigail Jirgi from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, emphasized the importance of proper produce processing, storage, and post-harvest handling to minimize losses.
She also urged farmers to avoid burning crop residues on their farms and instead allow them to decompose and enrich the soil.
Prof. Jirgi further encouraged community leaders to promote best agronomic practices among farmers to ensure increased yields, higher incomes, and boosted food security.
According to her, “This initiative only targets four LGs of Wushishi, Mokwa, Edati, and Katcha out of eight, for the 2024 rice farming wet season to promote economic growth among rice farmers in Niger State.”
Responding on behalf of the community, Mohammed Idris Ndaloke pledged the commitment of leaders to sensitize rice farmers on optimal harvest and post-harvest practices to forestall losses.
Post-harvest losses soar as Niger rice farmers fail to maximize thresher use – IFAD
