RICE POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL CEREALS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, BADEGGI

Abstract

Over the years, successive Nigerian governments have put in place several programmes with a view to closing Rice supply-demand gap. In 2003, the government initiated activities that led to the programme on increased rice production and processing. This paper highlights the contribution of the Agricultural Engineering Research and Fabrication unit of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi towards achieving this aim. The institute has developed Rice threshing. parboiling, cleaning/grading and milling machines. It is also suggested that the government should put in enough resources to see to the multiplication of these machines to rural communities to enable rural farmers process their rice locally.