The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has commissioned multi-purpose grain dryers in a move to reduce post-harvest losses.
With this development, farmers can leverage the equipment to remove excess moisture in grains to prevent spoilage during storage.
The GTR 750 mobile dryer which was commissioned by the minister of state for agriculture and rural development, Hon Mustapha Baba Shehuri at Sheda, Kwali area council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), came with the capacity to dry 1000kg of maize per hour and reduce its moisture by 10 percent.
In addition, the machine has heating capacity of 290kw (direct) and air capacity of 12000m3 per hour.
Speaking at the event to herald the launch, permanent secretary, ministry of agriculture and rural development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe said the new extension approach of providing necessary mechanisation to farmers group will guarantee treating agriculture as a business to attract the necessary investments, innovations and best practices for national development.
Represented by the director, general services, Solomon James, Dr Umakhihe added that improving agricultural practices through mechanisation is a good way to encourage the teaming unemployed youth into agriculture as the ministry would stimulate other necessary support which is finance, training to facilitate the success of the new agricultural extension model.
Also speaking, director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Engr Frank Kudla noted that the adoption of the multi-grain dryer technology will effectively expand marketing opportunities, contribute to better livelihood of smallholder farmers and significantly enhance food security in the country.
