NIGERIA is seeking the expertise of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) in reducing food wastage through the agency’s expertise in farm mechanization and postharvest technologies.
Mersole Mellejor, the ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Nigeria, visited the PHilMech headquarters in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, on August 5 to seek cooperation from the agency for advanced food preservation and mechanization technologies needed to reduce significant waste and inefficiencies in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Mellejor explored how PHilMech’s innovative solutions, such as solar drying systems and other preservation technologies, could address postharvest losses in this country.
Nigeria is seeking the help of the PHilMech on farm mechanization and postharvest technologies. Photo shows the technology demonstration held by PHilMech with the National Irrigation Administration in Barangay Barayong, Abuyog, Leyte, on Aug. 27, 2024. PHILMECH PHOTO
The discussions centered on integrating mechanization and postharvest technologies into Nigeria’s food security strategy and developing tailored training programs for Nigerian agricultural stakeholders.
“PHilMech is committed to creating a customized training module designed to meet the specific needs of Nigerian farmers and officials. This initiative will include a detailed budgetary plan and involve accredited manufacturers to ensure effective implementation and technology transfer,” PHilMech said in a statement.
“The visit underscores a promising opportunity for Nigeria to boost its food security through collaboration with PHilMech by adopting advanced preservation technologies and comprehensive training, which aims to reduce food waste, enhance the country’s food self-sufficiency and create a more efficient food system,” it added.
The representatives of PHilMech who met with the Nigerian ambassador included members of agency’s Management Committee Director Joel Dator; Nelson Santiago, interim director for Research Development and Extension; Ma. Ressurreccion Altamera, division chief of the Enterprise Development; and May Ville Castro, division chief of the Facility Management and Field Operation.
Among the major programs PHilMech is currently implementing are the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Mechanization Program and the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program-Shared Processing Facility program.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, among the issues that Nigeria’s agriculture sector is facing are low technology adoption and land degradation. Also, over 70 percent of Nigerians engage in agriculture at the subsistence level.
