NANTS Trains CBAs in Niger State on Post-Harvest Best Practices - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) recently organized a comprehensive training program for Community-Based Advisors (CBAs) in Niger State, focusing on the best post-harvest practices. This initiative aims to equip the CBAs with essential skills and knowledge to pass on to smallholder farmers across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, ensuring that the benefits of the training reach a wider audience.

The post-harvest training, which was widely praised as the most impactful of all previous sessions under this project, covered various aspects of agricultural practices designed to improve the quality and profitability of farm produce. Dr. Dogara, a key trainer in the program, led sessions on harvesting, processing, packaging, and branding. These operations, grouped under value addition, are critical in helping farmers increase their income by ensuring that their produce meets market standards and commands higher prices.

Mr. Desmond, the State Coordinator for the USAID Feed the Future project in Niger State, provided detailed insights into grain quality and optimal storage conditions. He explained how proper handling and storage can significantly affect pricing and marketing outcomes. Mr. Desmond also highlighted opportunities for selling farm produce at premium prices, encouraging CBAs and farmers to capitalize on these windows to maximize their earnings.

Another key facilitator, Mr. Halidu from TecniSeeds, introduced farmers to the outgrower scheme—a program designed to link farmers with reliable markets and sustainable income opportunities. By participating in this scheme, farmers can enhance their production capacities, improve the quality of their yields, and secure a consistent revenue stream through partnerships with larger agricultural companies.

The training received commendation from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) team, who praised its structure and content. They encouraged the CBAs to make the most of the lessons learned to increase their income and improve their livelihoods. AGRA also emphasized the importance of the step-down exercise, urging CBAs to share the knowledge gained with other farmers in their communities, creating a ripple effect that would benefit even more smallholder farmers across Niger State.

This training is part of NANTS’ ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the economic well-being of smallholder farmers in Nigeria. By focusing on post-harvest practices and value addition, NANTS is helping farmers reduce losses, increase the quality of their produce, and unlock new income opportunities, thus contributing to food security and economic growth in rural areas.