Army deploys agro-tech to boost food security, inaugurates ultra-modern silos

News in brief:

-The Nigerian Army has introduced solar dryers and inert atmosphere silos to improve food preservation and reduce losses.

-The initiative supports national food security while addressing disruptions caused by insecurity.

The Nigerian Army has strengthened its non-kinetic operations with the deployment of modern agricultural technologies aimed at boosting food security and reducing post-harvest losses across Nigeria.

The initiative was unveiled at the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFRL) facility in Giri, Abuja, where a parabolic solar dryer and inert atmosphere silos were inaugurated.

Army Links Food Security to National Stability

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, represented by JIB Manjang, said the project reflects the army’s commitment to supporting national food systems through innovation and collaboration.

He noted that insecurity, including insurgency and banditry, has disrupted farming activities, contributing to food shortages nationwide.

According to him, the newly deployed technologies are designed to improve food processing, storage and preservation, thereby enhancing the quality and shelf life of agricultural produce.

Shaibu further explained that the solar dryer offers a clean and hygienic method for drying agricultural produce, while the inert atmosphere silo preserves grains without chemicals by eliminating oxygen to control pests.

He urged stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance and utilisation of the facilities to maximise long-term benefits.

Tackling Post-Harvest Losses

The Executive Director of NAFRL, Sonyina Nicodemus, described the project as a major step in addressing post-harvest losses, which he said account for up to 50 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural output.

He noted that the army’s agribusiness initiative, established in 2017, supports government efforts on food security while also generating revenue.

Nicodemus added that the technologies would improve processing efficiency, create jobs, stabilise food prices and strengthen the agricultural value chain.

He called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other stakeholders to support the initiative with improved inputs such as seedlings, fertilisers and mechanised equipment.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Lateef Sanni, emphasised the link between food security and national stability. He said innovations from the institute are focused on ensuring year-round food availability and reducing losses across the agricultural supply chain.

Technology to Improve Farmers’ Livelihoods

Project Manager Michael Omadara noted that Nigeria loses about 30 per cent of its produce due to poor storage and processing systems.

He explained that the newly introduced technologies have already been deployed in various parts of the country and are expected to improve farmers’ income while strengthening national food security.

The event attracted senior military officials, government representatives, development partners and stakeholders from across the agricultural sector.