NSPRI commits to improving accessibility of agriculture research centres

The establishment of more Agricultural Research Outreach Centres across the geo-political zones by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) is to further improve the accessibility and utilisation of technologies developed by the Institute by her stakeholders.

The Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, (NSPRI), Dr.Patricia Pessu made this declaration at the Commissioning of the Parabolic Solar Tent Dryers constructed by the Institute for Igbeagu community at Nwezenyi village in Izzi Local government area of Ebonyi state.

The NSPRI boss noted that the Dryers were hygienic ways of drying products and it was provided at no cost to farmers to encourage the production of grains and tubers in the area.

Pessu represented by the Zonal Coordinator of NSPRI Portharcourt, Dr.Idorenyin Nwaehujor asserted that the facilities have the capacity to dry grains, vegetables, tubers, and other products for a longer period of time before sale.

She added ‘this is a Solar dryer that makes use of sunlight. It was constructed to trap sunlight. It is hotter than the open sun and whatever is kept inside is safe from rainfall. “.

Pessu, therefore, charged the farmers’ group and members of the community to ensure proper maintenance and use of the facilities.

Mr.Okike Onwuasoanya, the Project Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)in Ebonyi thanked the Institute for supplying the facilities.

Speaking on behalf of the Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative society in the area, Mr.Daniel Anya commended the Federal government for the project and promised that the farmers would not only protect but put the facilities to maximum use.