Niger State Programme Coordinator of Value Chain Development Programme, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, has warned against the drying of agricultural produce on roadsides by women processors.
He said this, aside from being unhealthy, can cause the spread of Lassa fever and appendicitis.
Ahmed highlighted the negative effect of drying agricultural produce on the roadsides during the Niger State Council on Agriculture meeting in Minna, Niger State.
“Drying of agricultural produce on the roadsides is very common in Niger State. Paddy rice, maize, sorghum and other produce are usually seen being dried on the roadsides as you travel along roads in the state.
“The act is not healthy, as sand, stones and other extraneous matters are deposited on the produce, thereby affecting the quality of the produce and their market value; this also affects the healthy living of the citizenry when consumed.
“It can lead to diseases like Lassa Fever and appendicitis which affect the contributions of farmers and processors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”, he said.
He stressed on the need to acquaint processors and farmers with knowledge on safety and hygiene ways to dry agricultural produce stressing on the need for the state ministry of agriculture to make provisions for drying slabs in all wards across the state to encourage healthy drying of agricultural produce.