Rice farmers fail to fully deploy thresher, worsen post-harvest losses
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Under-utilisation of rice threshing machines by rice farmers leads to a high percentage of post-harvest losses in Niger State, one of the national food baskets in the North Central, Abuja’s IFAD VCDP Additional Financing has lamented.
State Programme Coordinator Habitat Isah made the point at the weekend at the training of rice farmers on using threshers, on harvest, and post-harvest practices in Majigari community in Katcha Council in Niger.
“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,” said Isah,” who was represented by state Agricultural Production Officer, Lawal Mohammed.
She decried the 40 per cent post-harvest loss rate by farmers nationwide due to the failure to use threshing machines equipped to enhance harvest and livelihoods, noting that despite receiving threshers as grants to increase harvest yields and reduce post-harvest losses, many farmers have reverted to traditional methods.
Mustapha P. Gaiya, a beneficiary of the scheme in Shiroro Council, disclosed that threshers have greatly boosted 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 added, per reporting by Daily Post.
IFAD Programme State Lead Consultant Abigail Jirgi, a professor from the Department of Agriculture and Farm Management at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, stressed the importance of proper produce processing, storage, and post-harvest handling to minimise losses.
She urged farmers to avoid burning crop residues on their farms and instead allow them to decompose and enrich the soil.
She also encouraged community leaders to promote best agronomic practices among farmers to ensure increased yields, higher incomes, and food security.
“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,” Jirgi said.
Mohammed Ndaloke, who responded on behalf of the community, pledged the commitment of leaders to sensitise rice farmers on optimal harvest and post-harvest practices to prevent losses.
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