Alexander Davis

The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has said it will embark on fabrication of rice dryer, shea butter and castor oil seed processing machines this year.

Agency report says Mr. Ibidapo Kayode, Lagos State Chairman of NATE, stated Saturday, January 25, in Lagos, that the fabrication would help boost the nation’s agricultural sector.

He said most farmers in the country are faced huge losses for lack of proper preservation due to improper drying of grains such as rice.

According him, “research has shown that Nigerian farmers do not only face the challenge of how to de-stone the rice they produce, but that they also experience huge losses due to lack of adequate preservation resulting from improper drying.

“The presence of moisture in freshly harvested grains and favourable temperature enhances germination of stored seeds.”

To prevent loss, Mr. Kayode said this should be controlled by removing the moisture completely.

“It is important to dry grains before storing because it contains moisture that is favourable for growing of microorganisms which can spoil the grain.

“In order to tackle the above, NATE Lagos branch has decided to embark on the fabrication of rice dryer,’’ he added.

According to him, shea butter, mostly known as “Ori” in Western Nigeria, has one of the most important anti-aging agents for the skin.

The technologist said vitamins A and E found in shea butter kept the skin supple, nourished, and radiant.

“If used regularly, it reduces wrinkles and also prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines. It is also used to restore hair moisture.

“The association believes that fabricating a machine for processing this seed and making it readily available for the masses will make life easier for our farmers,’’ Kayode said.

He equally identified the major challenge of the post-harvest processing of castor seed as the de-husking and shelling.

The Association had already fabricated the machine to de-husk castor seeds and planned to fabricate machine to extract the oil, he disclosed.

He noted that “the association began work on the machine in October 2019, fabricated and launched a machine that helps to de-husk the castor seed.

“This year, as a body, we decided to push further by working on a machine that will process the castor seed and extract the oil,’’ NATE Chairman said.

Report says NATE, in 2019, fabricated rice de-stoning machine (patented) and castor oil seed de-husking equipment, among others.

NATE is a professional body of practical technologists and engineers allied to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

The Association’s major aim is to promote professional excellence among technologists and engineers.