Description
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi is situated in the heart of Benue state, widely
known as the food basket of the nation, North-central region of Nigeria, UAM has a large
Agro Farm where varieties of Agricultural production takes place, the institution has both
Animal and crops farm lands, and both categories of farming are done in large quantities
and distributed to consumers within the state and also across the state.
Agriculture is an important economic activity in developing countries. It represents
about 30% to 60% of gross domestic product (GDP) and it employs 40% to 50% of the
active population and is based on small family farms. Agriculture also produces most of
the basic foodstuffs and is a source of livelihood and income for Nigerians.
However, Poor control of storage conditions, storage for too long and inappropriate
storage conditions for a particular commodity will also result in poor quality product,
(Kalman 2016). Fruits and vegetables are living biological systems and they deteriorate
after harvest. The rate of deterioration varies greatly between individual produce
depending on their overall rate of metabolism, (Kader, et al. 2015).