The Ministry of Agriculture of Ghana has initiated a project meant to develop technology to make composite flour out of various crops including cassava, sweet potato, maize, sorghum, millet, and others. The project aims to reduce dependence on imports of wheat flour, improve food security, and cut postharvest losses. http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2013/09/04/csir-mofa-initiate-new-technology-to-produce-bakery-products/
DA-12 Allots P848-M to Cut Palay Postharvest Losses
The Filipino Department of Agriculture will invest at least P848.4 million in postharvest facilities and related infrastructure in a region comprised of 4 provinces over the next 4 years. A recent government assessment finds the region’s postharvest losses of palay to currently reach around 12%. http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/08/22/da-12-allots-p848-m-to-cut-palay-post-harvest-losses/
Blumberg Grain Executes Letter of Intent to Expand Its Agricultural Investments to Nigeria with $250 Million Commitment
Blumberg Grain will invest $250 million in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with regard to the country’s efforts with the G8’s New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition program. The investment includes a large scale production and distribution facility for the company’s food security storage warehouses, processing and packaging facilities, and investments in land and technology. http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/07/18/5033651/blumberg-grain-executes-letter.html
Maize Dryers to Be Set Up in Punjab
The Punjab government directed the Agricultural Department to set up maize dryers in all mandis before the next harvest season, and community maize dryers installed in two locations before procurement during this season. Subsidies will also be given on the purchase of portable dryers. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/maize-dryers-to-be-set-up-in-punjab/article4905075.ece
Sh45m for Cereals Warehouse
The Kenyan government is constructing a large scale warehouse in Kanyekiini County, Central Province, to reduce postharvest losses. The project is expected to offer local youth employment opportunities and improve farmers’ incomes. http://www.nation.co.ke/Counties/Sh45million-for-cereals-warehouse/-/1107872/1909594/-/yx5y58/-/index.html
ICAR Seeks Funds to Set Up Rice Mill for Goa Tribal Farmers
The Indian Council for Agricultural Research’s Goa chapter is pursuing the establishment of a rice mill in south Goa under their tribal sub-plan. The mill would enable farmers to earn twice as much per kilogram of rice in a fraction of the time. http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/icar-seeks-funds-to-set-up-rice-mill-for-goa-tribal-farmers-113062400158_1.html
Agro-processing complex comes up at Moga
The Head of Punjab Agricultural University’s Department of Processing and Food Engineering spoke on the importance of reducing postharvest losses at the inaugural ceremony of a new village processing plant. The university has provided technical guidance and support for over 250 agro-processing plants across the state. http://cityairnews.com/content/another-agro-processing-complex-comes-moga-pau%E2%80%99s-technical-support
18 More Rice Processing Complexes for Region 6
The Department of Agriculture in the Philippines is aiming to build 18 more small rice processing complexes this year. Each complex costs P6 million to construct, or approximately USD 143,000. http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/top-stories/4182-18-more-rice-processing-complexes-for-region-6.html
Central Mindanao Rice Program Gets Higher Budget This Year
Philippines Central Mindanao region will receive a 50% increase in the rice program budget from the previous year. Close to half of the total allotment will be used for postharvest facility development and infrastructure improvement. http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Central-Mindanao-rice-program-gets-higher-budget-this-year&id=69836
FG to Establish Cassava, Rice Processing Mills in Oyo
The Federal Ministry of Nigeria is set to establish two cassava processing factories in Oyo State to curb postharvest losses, with two factories for rice processing to follow later this year. http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/fg-establish-cassava-rice-processing-mills-oyo-director