The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) has launched a pioneering initiative aimed at tackling the nation's critical food waste problem by empowering the next generation. The institute's maiden Postharvest Loss Reduction Summer Class, held recently in Lagos, trained 50 secondary school students in vital skills for preserving and adding value to farm produce.
Hands-On Training for Young Agripreneurs
Under the "Catch Them Young Initiative," the participants were divided into three batches for intensive, practical sessions. The curriculum focused on food preservation, processing techniques, and the fundamentals of agribusiness. Prof. Lateef O. Sanni, the Executive Director of NSPRI, congratulated the students for seizing the opportunity. He emphasized that early exposure to innovation and enterprise is crucial for national development.
"What you have learned here will not only help you in secondary school, but also in the university and beyond," Prof. Sanni told the attendees. He assured them that future editions of the programme would be even more engaging and rewarding, encouraging the students to share their new knowledge with peers.
Turning Theory into Tasty Practice
The training moved beyond theory as students demonstrated the practical skills they acquired. They showcased the production of various value-added products, including pineapple rings, pawpaw flakes, and fish snacks. One enthusiastic participant shared, "This programme has taught me how to turn farm produce into snacks we can sell," highlighting the direct link between learning and potential livelihood.
Dr. Shuaeeb N. Oyewole, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator for NSPRI, described the programme as exceptional. He stated that the skills imparted would not only improve food security but also position the youths as future agripreneurs, job creators, and employers of labour. This aligns with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. Dr. Oyewole urged parents to support their children by providing facilities to practice these new skills, noting the programme's potential as a source of sustainable income.
A Strategic Response to a National Crisis
The initiative addresses a severe economic and food security challenge. At the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, commended NSPRI for equipping young Nigerians with transformative skills. She revealed a stark statistic: Nigeria loses between 30 to 50 percent of its agricultural produce after harvest, primarily due to inadequate storage and poor logistics.
"The snacks, juices, and food innovations you have learned to produce are not just for fun," Ms. Olusanya told the students. "They are solutions to a national problem, helping Nigeria save food, save money, and save lives." Her statement underscored the critical role such training plays in building a more resilient food system for the country.
By investing in the youth today, NSPRI's summer class is planting seeds for a future with reduced postharvest waste, enhanced food security, and a new wave of agricultural entrepreneurs.
