AGRICULTURAL POST-HARVEST WASTE GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT FOR SELECTED CROPS IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

Post-harvest waste generations in selected local government areas of Niger state, North central Nigeria was evaluated. This is with a view to knowing the types, quantity and strength of these resides. The method adopted was investigative approach. Questionnaire was administered and results collected. From the study, maize, groundnut and rice are being produced in large quantity in the place visited. Average grain-straw ratio for maize was 1.34:1, grain-straw husk ratio for rice was 1.28:1 while nut to shell ratio for groundnut was 3.07:1. For maize alone in twelve local governments, 3,423 tonnes of waste is produced, 3,481 tonnes for Rice and 1,742 tonnes of groundnut waste is produced. The major management measure adopted now is burning which is not environmentally friendly. The results gotten from the study can be used to design waste management plants for these local governments.