FUNAAB, NSPRI Host Workshop on Reducing Post-Harvest Losses

In furtherance of their ongoing collaboration, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), has partnered with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) to host a One-Day Capacity-Building Workshop on post-harvest losses management.

Titled “Handling Post-Harvest Losses of Tomato and Leafy Vegetables,” the workshop was held today, December 18, 2025, at the AMREC Seminar Room. It was designed to address Nigeria’s persistent post-harvest challenges by equipping farmers and other stakeholders with practical skills in handling, processing, storage and value addition to reduce wastage and enhance profitability.

Opening the workshop on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, commended the impressive turnout of participants, describing it as a reflection of shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. He noted that agriculture remains central to the nation’s economy, yet poor post-harvest practices account for losses of between 30 and 50 per cent in perishable crops such as tomatoes and leafy vegetables, largely due to inadequate handling, storage, transportation and limited processing.

He described the workshop as timely and urged participants to actively engage through questions, experience sharing and collaborative learning to ensure the adoption of practical and sustainable solutions.

In his Welcome Address, the Director, AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye, described the programme as a significant milestone in FUNAAB’s contributions to food security and sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasised the focus on affordable and scalable techniques for waste prevention, value addition and improved produce quality and nutrition, while commending the University Management for its continued support.

Delivering a Goodwill Message, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, commended the initiative for effectively bridging research with practical, on-the-ground solutions that reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.

The Keynote Address, titled “Agricultural Post-Harvest Management,” was delivered by the Zonal Coordinator, NSPRI Ibadan Office, Dr. Mariam Aremu, on behalf of the NSPRI Executive Director, Prof. Lateef Sanni. She discussed crop categorisation, handling, transportation, primary processing, drying technologies and storage, stressing the need to prioritise post-harvest practices to ensure food quality and safety, improve returns, reduce losses, enhance year-round availability and promote wealth creation.

Dr. Aremu also led practical demonstrations on the production of dried leafy vegetables, onion rings and powder, dried okra, and tomato-based value-added products. She highlighted value addition as a viable agribusiness opportunity, especially for youth and women, and underscored the importance of cost-benefit analysis in making informed agribusiness decisions.

Participants at the workshop included AMREC and some Academic staff of the University, members of Farmers’ Associations from Ogun State, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.