7. Processing Annual Crop Products

7.1. Importance of Processing Annual Crop Products

  1. Value Addition: Processing enhances the market value of raw crops (e.g., turning cassava into gari).
  2. Prolonged Shelf Life: Drying and packaging reduce perishability, allowing for long-term storage.
  3. Market Access: Processed products are easier to transport and sell in wider markets.
  4. Waste Reduction: Processing helps minimize post-harvest losses by turning surplus crops into preserved goods.
  5. Employment Creation: Crop processing industries provide jobs in rural and urban areas.
  6. Food Security: Processing helps maintain food availability throughout the year by preserving surplus harvests.
  7. Convenience: Consumers benefit from ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat forms of food