“Through my research, I aim to help farmers reduce waste, improve their yields, and increase their earnings. By adopting natural fertilizers and better storage techniques, we can enhance food security in Nigeria and ensure more fresh produce reaches consumers.”
My name is Odueme Patience Ujiro, and I am dedicated to refining organic agricultural practices through evidence-based research. Through my research activities at the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Federal University of Agriculture, I aim to improve food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote healthier alternatives for farmers and consumers alike.
Revolutionising Tomato Production with Natural Solutions
Tomatoes are a staple crop in Nigeria, yet nearly half of the harvest is lost due to poor handling, storage, and transportation. While chemical preservatives extend shelf life, they pose health risks, making safer, plant-based alternatives essential.
To improve tomato production, I tested different natural fertilisers to evaluate their impact on growth and yield. The best results came from a combination of organic fertiliser and biochar—a type of charcoal made from plant and animal waste. This mix enhanced plant growth, increased fruit yield, and improved overall quality.
Beyond cultivation, I explored better storage techniques. By replacing harmful chemical preservatives with natural alternatives such as neem and Jatropha curcas, and utilising special cooling structures, I significantly extended the shelf life of Cobra F1 tomatoes. These methods kept the tomatoes fresh for up to 49 days—far longer than conventional storage allows—providing farmers with better market opportunities.
©IFSERAR.
Preserving the Beauty of Cut Flowers Naturally
Building on my work in agricultural preservation, I have also researched ways to extend the freshness and longevity of cut flowers. Floriculture is growing in importance globally, but maintaining flower quality during transport remains a challenge. Poor handling and storage lead to up to 50% of flowers losing their value before reaching consumers.
To tackle this issue, I tested five different vase solutions—compost tea, Jatropha curcas leaf extracts, potassium aluminum sulfate (alum), Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass), and air-conditioned water—on three flower varieties: Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Canna indica, and Heliconia psittacorum.
By monitoring changes in petal color, stem firmness, and overall appearance, I found that Canna indica treated with alum stayed fresh for five extra days. Meanwhile, Heliconia psittacorum and Hibiscus rosa sinensis stored in air-conditioned water retained their quality for 12 and 5 additional days, respectively. These treatments effectively preserved color, structure, and aesthetic appeal, providing practical, cost-effective solutions for floriculture.
©IFSERAR.
A Future Rooted in Sustainability
Through my research, I strive to empower farmers with organic alternatives that enhance both productivity and sustainability. By improving storage methods and reducing post-harvest losses, we can create a more resilient agricultural system—one that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.
A cross section of 2023/2024 undergraduate project students supervised by Odueme Patience Ujiro. ©CSHEP.
