In a bid to promote technological advancements in the agricultural sector and improve rice harvesting techniques, a capacity development program was conducted for local fabricators on the design and fabrication of modern rice threshers. The program aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to build efficient and cost-effective rice threshers for increased productivity and reduced labor in rice farming. Organized by AfricaRice under the Zero Hunger project in Ebonyi State, the training workshop—held in May 2023—attracted 26 welders and fabricators drawn from six local government areas of Ebonyi State (Abakaliki, Ezza North, Ikwo, Ohaozra, Ohaukwu, and Onicha) and four staff and representatives of project partners namely, IFAD-VCDP, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and Strategic Seeds Nig, Ltd. The workshop featured expert instructors and practical sessions, including hands-on demonstrations to facilitate a comprehensive learning experience.
The participants were introduced to the importance of mechanized rice threshing and its potential benefits for local farmers. They learned about the challenges traditional threshing methods face, such as manual labor, time-consuming processes, and grain damage. The trainers highlighted the significance of modernizing rice threshing techniques to enhance efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase overall profitability for farmers.