NASENI Innovates Local Solutions to Combat Post-Harvest Losses

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is tackling Nigeria's significant post-harvest losses, estimated at 40% of perishable agricultural produce annually, valued at around N5 trillion. These losses arise from inadequate storage, transportation, and processing infrastructure.

To combat this, NASENI is deploying locally manufactured food processing machinery and decentralized storage systems tailored to Nigerian farming conditions. Through its Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institutes (AMEDI) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, NASENI engineers reverse-engineer and mass-manufacture food-grade machinery, making them up to 60% more affordable than imported alternatives.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Institute (AMTDI) in Jalingo has also contributed by designing various post-harvest and agro-processing machines, including grain threshers and multi-grain cleaners, to enhance agricultural mechanization and food security in Nigeria.