Food Processing, Preservation and Storage for Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract In the early sixties, the economy was hinged and developed mainly from agricultural activities. This brought a lot of involvement in the operators of this sector of the economy and growth. Many people participated in farming activities. After crop has been harvested, the next thing to do is to process the agricultural produce to the end product for consumption or storage. The processing operations are as good as the production. When the crop is not properly processed, losses take place and the economic return for the farmers is reduced. Inadequate or improper processing or lack of it often results in poor storage. It becomes imperative therefore that proper processing operation be done with appropriate technologies. This paper examines the unit operations in food processing, processing machines and equipment used, processing of common Nigerian crops and how processing, preservation and storage can enhance economic development. The way forward is also suggested.