FUNAAB Unveils Eco-System Hybrid Dryer to Tackle Post-Harvest Losses, Boost Agricultural Innovation

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and community development with the unveiling of the Eco-System Hybrid Dryer by Eco-Synergy Innovations (Nig.) Ltd.

The innovation was unveiled at an innovation-focused programme held on August 26, 2026, at the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), FUNAAB.

The technology was showcased by the Team Lead of Eco-Synergy Innovations (Nig.) Ltd., Mr. Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, as part of efforts to promote practical solutions to post-harvest losses, agricultural processing and preservation.

The programme brought together farmers, community members and other stakeholders in agricultural innovation and technology.

The Eco-System Hybrid Dryer is designed to provide an efficient method of drying agricultural produce, with the potential to reduce post-harvest losses, extend the shelf life of farm products and improve their value and marketability.

Welcoming participants, the Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS) and Mentor, Eco-Synergy Innovations (Nig.) Ltd., Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, appreciated Aspire Institute, Eco-Synergy Innovations, Budding Leaders Empowerment Initiative (BUDLEIN) and FUNAAB for their contributions to the initiative.

She noted that the achievements recorded reflected the dedication and collaboration of researchers, students and other members of the University’s innovation ecosystem.

Prof. Kehinde stressed the importance of supporting students and researchers through grants and other opportunities that encourage venture creation, entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of innovative ideas.

She also encouraged members of the University Community to take advantage of opportunities that provide international exposure and strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

According to her, the financial support received for innovation-related initiatives demonstrated confidence in the University’s research and innovation ecosystem.

She stressed that research should go beyond academic output and translate into practical solutions capable of addressing real-life challenges and improving livelihoods.

Prof. Kehinde cited agricultural innovations targeting tomato production and other areas as examples of research with the potential to deliver meaningful impact.

Speaking at the programme, the Director, Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. Jacob Olaoye, called for practical, affordable and accessible solutions that are tailored to the realities of farmers.

He stressed that persistent agricultural challenges require more than theoretical approaches, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts towards developing sustainable and locally adaptable solutions.

Prof. Olaoye also emphasised the need for collaboration among institutions, researchers and industry players, noting that innovations must be translated into practical technologies capable of improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and contributing to food security.

He advocated greater support for research, innovation and entrepreneurship, describing them as important pathways to employment creation and improved livelihoods.

Also speaking, the Director, IFSERAR, Prof. Kazeem Bello, stressed the need for sustainable farming approaches and stronger engagement with farmers to identify production challenges and develop appropriate solutions.

He called for closer collaboration among researchers, extension agents, agricultural professionals, government institutions and farmers to ensure that innovations are practical, affordable and adaptable to local conditions.

Prof. Bello noted that sustained engagement with farming communities would enable researchers and other stakeholders to better understand production challenges and provide timely interventions capable of improving agricultural production, reducing losses and strengthening livelihoods.

Earlier, the Team Lead, Eco-Synergy Innovations (Nig.) Ltd., Mr. Oluwagbemiga Adeboye, conducted an interactive training session for farmers, during which he advocated simple, affordable and efficient technologies for post-harvest handling, processing and preservation.

Adeboye, a graduate of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, College of Engineering (COLENG), and an awardee of the Federal Government Student Venture Capital Grant, noted that many farmers continue to experience significant losses due to inadequate processing and storage facilities.

He stressed the need for technologies that can be adapted to different categories of farmers and address challenges across the agricultural value chain.

He explained that technologies developed for farmers should be easy to operate, cost-effective and capable of delivering results within a short period.

According to him, efficient drying technologies can help farmers preserve agricultural produce, extend shelf life and improve market value.

Speaking specifically on tomato production, Adeboye observed that the highly perishable nature of tomatoes makes preservation a major challenge for farmers.

He advocated improved processing technologies that would enable farmers to convert fresh tomatoes into value-added products, thereby reducing wastage and increasing income.

He further called for stronger collaboration among researchers, farmers, extension agents, processors and other stakeholders to ensure the effective transfer and adoption of agricultural innovations.

Stakeholders were encouraged to sustain their commitment to innovation, partnership and knowledge-sharing towards building a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector.