Agency Report
The World Food Programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Self Help Africa, on Thursday inaugurated a N100m solar drying hub in Kura, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening food systems.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Country Director of Self Help Africa, Mrs Joy Aderele, said the facility was designed to address post-harvest losses and improve income for farmers in the horticulture value chain.
She said, “Kura remains a major hub for tomatoes, peppers, onions and other vegetables that supply markets across Kano and beyond, but farmers often suffer losses due to poor storage and market glut.”
Aderele explained that the solar-powered drying technology would enable farmers and young entrepreneurs to preserve produce, extend shelf life and add market value.
According to her, “The hub is expected to support more than 5,000 youths and create direct employment opportunities within the community.”
She commended WFP and the Mastercard Foundation for supporting youth empowerment and strengthening food systems through innovative interventions.
Also speaking, the WFP Representative, Mrs Esther Ogundari, appreciated community leaders and stakeholders for supporting the project.
She urged young farmers, especially women, “to maximise the opportunities provided by the facility to boost productivity and income.”
The Senior Programme Manager of Self Help Africa in Kano, Hajiya Hajara Mohammed, said the project, valued at N100m, was designed to reduce post-harvest losses in horticultural produce.
She said, “The hub comprises solar and UV dryers capable of drying tomatoes within four to six hours and one to two days respectively.”
Mohammed added, “The facility can dry up to three tonnes of tomatoes daily and is projected to reduce post-harvest losses by about 50 per cent.”
She further stated that “the project will operate as a community-based commercial service managed by cooperative groups to ensure sustainability.”
The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, represented by Rabiu Dahiru-Iliyasu, commended Self Help Africa for the initiative, describing it as “a major boost to agricultural development in the state.”
Similarly, the Chairman of Kura Local Government, Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman, commended Self Help Africa for implementing the project.
The District Head of Kura, Alhaji Lamido Abubakar-Bayero, said the project “will help preserve farm produce and improve farmers’ livelihoods.”
A tomato farmer, Rabiu Balarabe, also lauded the initiative, noting that “it will significantly reduce losses previously recorded by farmers.”
The event featured practical demonstrations on cutting and drying tomatoes using the facility.
NAN
