News in Brief:
– The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is exploring the adoption of Aflazero’s Aflabox, a rapid aflatoxin detection device, to enhance post-harvest grain safety and reduce losses.
– It can provide quick and accurate results and aligns with the ministry’s goals of integrating modern solutions to improve food security and agricultural productivity.
Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, recently welcomed a delegation from Aflazero, the developers of the Aflabox, an innovative device designed for rapid aflatoxin detection in post-harvest grains.
The team highlights the potential of the technology to significantly improve food safety and reduce post-harvest losses within Nigeria’s agricultural sector, as Kyari disclosed on his official X page.
Rapid aflatoxin detection capabilities
Essentially, Aflabox utilises internet-connected technology to analyse grain samples, providing accurate results on aflatoxin contamination levels within 5 to 20 minutes.
This rapid analysis allows for immediate identification and segregation of contaminated produce, preventing its entry into the food supply chain.
The minister noted that the device’s speed and accuracy represent a significant advancement over traditional testing methods, as these can be time-consuming and require specialised laboratory equipment.
Mitigating post-harvest losses and enhancing food security
Consequently, Senator Kyari noted the crucial role of Aflabox in mitigating post-harvest losses, a significant challenge faced by Nigerian farmers.
It is significant because the technology helps to preserve the quality and quantity of harvested crops by enabling the efficient identification and removal of contaminated grains before storage. This process contributes to enhanced food security and reduces economic losses for farmers.
Alignment with the ministry’s technology integration goals
Kyari stated that the adoption of the Aflabox aligns with the ministry’s ongoing commitment to integrating modern technological solutions into the agricultural sector. It aims to leverage technology to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food safety, and empower farmers.
Specifically, this tool’s internet connectivity and data analysis capabilities offer valuable insights for farmers and stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and improved post-harvest management practices.
Overall, the minister stressed the ministry’s dedication to fostering collaborative partnerships with technology developers and other stakeholders to drive innovation in the agricultural sector.
The visit by the Aflazero delegation shows the commitment to exploring and adopting cutting-edge technologies that benefit Nigerian farmers and consumers.
Senator Kyari said the ministry intends to continue promoting the adoption of technologies that strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure and protect the health of its citizens.
