Project Abstract

Abstract
Cereals are a major staple food in Nigeria, providing essential nutrients and energy for the population. The processing and preservation of cereals play a crucial role in ensuring food security and reducing post-harvest losses. This research aims to assess the current status of processing and preservation of cereals in Nigeria, focusing on common cereals such as maize, rice, and sorghum. The study involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, government reports, and relevant data on cereal processing and preservation techniques in Nigeria. It examines the traditional methods used by small-scale farmers and processors, as well as the modern technologies and innovations adopted in the industry. The research also considers the challenges faced by stakeholders in the cereal value chain, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to credit, and limited knowledge of best practices. Findings from the study reveal that traditional methods of cereal processing, such as sun-drying and manual threshing, are still prevalent in many rural areas of Nigeria. While these methods are cost-effective, they are often labor-intensive and result in lower quality products. On the other hand, modern processing technologies, such as mechanical threshers, solar dryers, and milling machines, are being increasingly adopted in urban centers and some progressive rural communities. These technologies help improve efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the quality of processed cereals. In terms of preservation, the research highlights the common traditional practices used by farmers and processors, including storage in mud silos, traditional granaries, and woven bags. However, these methods are susceptible to pest infestations, mold growth, and moisture damage, leading to significant losses. The study also discusses the emerging preservation techniques, such as hermetic storage bags, metal silos, and improved packaging materials, which help protect cereals from spoilage and prolong their shelf life. Overall, the research underscores the importance of enhancing the processing and preservation of cereals in Nigeria to ensure food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and processors. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to support the adoption of modern technologies and best practices in the cereal value chain.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

            Of all the plant on which man has depended for his food, cereal grains are by far the most important. Since recorded history, cereals grains are the seed by cultivated grasses that include wheat, corn, 0at, barley, rye, rice, sorghum and millet.

            There are a number of reasons why cereals have been important in man’s diet. They can be grown in areas with diverse climatic and soil conditions. They give yield peracre (0.4ha) as compared to most other crops and once harvested, their excellent storage stability combined with their high nutritive valuers make them most suitable for storage.

            They are easy to be packaged and transported and can be used to produce a large variety of high desirable foods both for man and animals.

            Cereal grains are the most important source of the world’s total food. The grains are eaten in many ways, sometimes as a paste or other preparation of the seeds more often milled and further processed into flour, starch, oil, bran, syrup, sugar, etc. They are also used to feed the animals that provide us with meat, eggs, millet, butter, cheese and a host of other foods. Cereals grains are preserved in ways which make them to last long for processing.