RESEARCH ADVANCEMENTS IN FOOD AND POSTHARVEST SCIENCES SUPPORTED BY THE CENTRE FOR FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

The Centre for Food Technology and Research at Benue State University, Makurdi - Nigeria, continues to foster groundbreaking research in food and postharvest sciences. Supported by the Centre, the following studies have made significant strides in advancing agricultural practices and food preservation techniques:

1. Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Self-powered   Grain Dryer System by Engr. Dr. T.D Ipilakya (N753,500)

2. A Comparative Study of Pot-in-Pot Evaporative Cooling System in Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables in Nigeria by Prof. Peter E. Odo. (N 876, 000)

3. Effects of Exogenous Elicitor-Salicylic Acid Concentrations and Dip Times on Physiology and Quality Attributes of Tomatoes by Prof. Terkimbi Vange. (N464,100)

4. Human Health Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Some Stored Agricultural Produce Sold in Makurdi, Nigeria By Prof. Raymond A. Wuana. (N1,000,000.00)

5. Formulating Food Emulsions from Honey, Lemon Juice and Vegetable Oil by Dr. Andrew Tyowua. (N1,000,000)

6. Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a modified Bambara nut cracker by Prof. Simon V. Irtwange. (N411,600)

7. Production and Quality Evaluation of Germinated and Fermented Finger Millet and Defatted Sesame Seeds Based Complimentary Foods by Prof. Charles Ariahu. (N657,100.00)

8. Effect of Different Leaf Powders on Shelf life and Physiological Quality of Okra During Storage by Prof. M.I Ogbaji. (N745,000.00)

9. Assessment of the Chemical Properties of Dried Rotten Yam and Water Yam Slices used for Processing tiff Porridge by Prof. S.T Ubwa. (N 995,400)

10. Use of Retort Pouch Technology in Processing some selected Fresh Water Fish and its effects on their Water Qualities by Prof. S.G Solomon. (N950,000.00)

11. Efficacy of Bio-Based Extracts on Shelf life and Quality Attributes of Orange (Citrus Sinensis L) Fruits During Storage in Makurdi by Prof. E.J Ekefan. (N473,100.00)

12. Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a manual Fish Feed Pelletizer with Interchangeable Die Plates by Dr. D.M Tiough. (N856,800.00).

13. Production and Quality Evaluation Cookies from Wheet, Almond and Carrot Flour Blends by Dr. (Mrs.) Dinah Ahure. (N596,000.00).

14. Effect of Organic Preservatives on Shelf Life and Quality of Mango (Mangifera Indica) fruits during Storage in Makurdi, Benue State by Prof. Moses O. Obasi (N502,950.00).

15. Design and Fabrication of Collapsing Packaging Crates for Storing and Transporting Fruits and Vegetables in Benue State by Dr. Benedict Labe (N979,650).

16. Microbial and Metal Analysis of Some Staple Food in Makurdi Township (A case study of Gari and Akpu) by Dr. Luter Leke (N810,000.00).

17. Design Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Motorized Palm Kernel Oil Expeller Machine by Dr. Joy Obiageli Nwokolo-Ojo (N968,583.00).

18. Development of Direct-Active Desiccant Tomato Dryer by Dr. Michael Mlanga Iorbee by (N950,250.00).

19. Improved Design and Development of a Convectional Biomass Fish Dryer by Engr. Dr. Bill Anaka (N904,050,00).

Further, the Centre in collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK has facilitated the following researches: 

1. Efficacy of Selected Indiginous plant Extracts in mitigating Postharvest Losses of tomatoes by Prof Ogbene Igbum. (N8,999,500). 

2. Termites' infestation and Nigerian Agricultural Systems: Strategies for Sustainable and Integrated management for North - Central Nigeria by Prof Edward Omudu.(N7,800,000).

3. Innovative Enhancement of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) Toxicity for Effective Termite Control by Dr Sylvester Gemanam Jande. (N3,880,000).

4. Construction of a Small Scale UV unit for reducing Toxin forming Pathogens on melon (Citrullus Lanatus) by Dr Sylvester Gemanam Jande. (N8,560,000).

5. Food Preferences Formulation and Nutritional Characterization of Food Products for Diabetics by Prof Priscilla Utoo. (N8,955,050).

6. Solar-powered Dryer for Prolonged Rainy Season in Benue State by Prof Bernadict Iorzar Labe. (N9,720,000).

Additionally, some academics at the Centre have won grants for the under listed research:

1. "The Chemist, His Laboratory, and the Environment" by Dr. Ahile Ungwanen (£10,000)

2. "Green Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Nanoparticles of Propolis and Its Potential in Orange Preservation" by Victor Egbeneje (£5,000)

3. RSC  Research and Collaboration Grant by Dr. kyenge Barnabas. (£4,900)