CEFTER-MOAU STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FOOD PROCESSING AND REDUCTION OF POSHARVEST LOSSES

A team from the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio AdasuUniversity, Makurdi, on Friday, March 6, 2026, conducted an inspection visit to the solar dryer facility at Tarbo Global Resources Limited in Gboko, Benue State. The delegation was led by the Acting Director of the Centre, Professor Mrs. Ogbene Igbum .

The visit was undertaken to assess the performance of the solar dryer installed at the company’s premises. The project was funded by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), a key partner of CEFTER, to promote clean and sustainable dehydration of agricultural produce such as yam, cassava, ginger, tomatoes, and pepper using solar energy.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tarbo Global Resources Limited, Mrs. Vera Tarbo, who is also a direct beneficiary of the project, received the CEFTER team and shared her vision for establishing the solar drying system. According to her, the initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to reduce post-harvest losses while improving food preservation practices, in line with CEFTER’s mandate of advancing food technology and innovation.

During the visit, members of the CEFTER team examined samples of agricultural products processed with the solar dryer and held an interactive session with users of the facility. The engagement provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the technology in preserving farm produce and enhancing product quality.

Speaking during the visit, the Acting Director of CEFTER, Professor Mrs. Ogbene Igbum, emphasized the importance of the solar drying initiative in strengthening food preservation systems and improving value addition for farmers and agro-processors.

“The solar dryer initiative represents a practical and sustainable solution to the persistent challenge of post-harvest losses in our agricultural sector. By harnessing clean solar energy, farmers and processors can preserve their produce more efficiently, improve product quality, and increase their income. CEFTER remains committed to supporting innovations that promote food security, sustainability, and economic empowerment,” she stated.

The Centre also expressed appreciation to Mrs. Tarbo, who serves as a member of the CEFTER Board of Governors, for her commitment to supporting farmers through training in food processing and preservation. CEFTER reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and providing additional support to the initiative within the year.

Through partnerships such as this, CEFTER continues to promote innovative, sustainable, and climate-friendly solutions for food processing and post-harvest management in Benue State and beyond.

Members of the delegation who accompanied the Acting Director included the Centre Secretary, Dr. Scholastica Banka; the Centre Engineers, Engr. Aondosoo Ijir and Engr. Vihi Ngutor; the Technologist, Mr. Ezekiel Ode; and the media representative, Engr. Mark Aertor Yôô