0
0
SOLAR-POWERED DRYER INAUGURATED TOWARDS REDUCING POST-HARVEST LOSSES IN AKURE
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola has commended Pastor Michael Adeyiwolu’s solar-powered dryer project in Aule, Akure. The project will benefit farmers and reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking through Permanent Secretary Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, Akinola praised Farm Ease Global for organizing the event, saying innovation should reach farmers directly and promote climate-smart practices.
He added that the state government is developing 32,000 hectares of farmland under the Integrated Food Security Programme.
Engr. Akinola added that the state government is ready to partner with individuals or any group willing to invest in all agricultural value chains.
He stressed that agriculture is a business and urged youth to emulate Pastor Adeyiwolu’s foresight and harness the potential in agriculture.
Bishop Felix Adejumo of Agape Church also commended Pastor Adeyiwolu’s initiative and urged the Ondo State Government to replicate the dryer system across local governments to reduce post-harvest losses
In his speech, the initiator of the Solar-Powered Dryer Project, Pastor Michael Adeyiwolu, stated that it was an important milestone for Farm Eaze Global Limited.
He stressed that the commissioning of the solar-powered dryer is a solution to one of the biggest challenges farmers face: post-harvest losses.
Pastor Michael Adeyiwolu added that farmers work tirelessly from planting to harvest, yet a significant portion of their produce is lost due to poor preservation, storage, and limited post-harvest solutions. According to him, “These losses reduce income, affect food quality, and threaten food security.
This is the gap this project is designed to address. With the support of the National Stored Products Research Institute. (NSPRI) and in collaboration with IYILADE Farmz, we are pleased to step forward as one of the first movers in Ondo State to deliberately tackle this challenge.”
He said, “This solar-powered dryer project also represents one of the ways Farm Eaze Global Limited is expanding its work into Akure, Ondo State, bringing practical solutions closer to farmers. This facility is designed to do two key things. First, it provides a safe, efficient, and climate-smart solution for farmers to dry and preserve their produce, extend shelf life, maintain quality, and reduce waste.
Beyond preservation, this facility will serve as a demonstration and training hub – a one-stop centre where farmers can access education, information, and hands-on training on post-harvest handling, food safety, and value preservation” he added.
Sola Omoboyowa,
Head, Publicity and Public Relations, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
About The Author
