The Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has launched a two-day capacity-building training in Kano State aimed at strengthening post-harvest management and agro-processing skills among entrepreneurs.
The training programme, which targets agro-processing operators across the state, is designed to enhance value addition, improve food safety standards, and promote sustainable agribusiness development.
Speaking at the opening session, the Zonal Coordinator of NSPRI Kano, Dr. Ajani A.O., urged participants to maximise the opportunity to improve the quality and market value of their products. He observed that traditional white-collar employment opportunities are declining, stressing that agro-processing offers a viable and sustainable alternative for income generation.
Dr. Ajani emphasised the need for strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), noting that adherence to established food processing standards is critical to ensuring product quality and consumer safety.
In his presentation, another facilitator, Oshadumo D., outlined NSPRI’s statutory mandate and highlighted the institute’s core values as a leading agricultural research organisation committed to reducing post-harvest losses and promoting food security in Nigeria.
Participants received practical training on several value-addition processes, including tomato processing into marketable products, production of fermented sweet potato flour, and post-harvest value addition for cowpea. A session titled “From Farm to Market: Unlocking Opportunities Through Value Addition” further explored strategies for transforming raw agricultural produce into commercially viable products.
The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Farida U.A., Adamson T., and Ibrahim M.A., who provided hands-on guidance on processing techniques, packaging, and product development.
The training underscores NSPRI’s continued efforts to build sustainable agro-processing capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen food security through practical entrepreneurship support.