‘How to preserve beans, grains without poisonous chemicals’

The use of chemicals for beans preservation has called attention of individuals, government agencies and organisations to food quality and safety in the country. Nigerians are worried that there might be a re-emergence of the killer-beans that claimed many lives and wiped off families in the 1990s, or the situation could lead to cumulative health burdens on Nigerians and the country.

From time immemorial, cereal farmers and grain merchants have often sought ways to preserve their products, beans inclusive, with the application of red dry peppers rather than pesticides.

When a recent video showing young two men using a synthetic chemical (Sniper) came to the public knowledge, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), among other regulatory bodies, came up with modalities to ensure that Nigerians consume wholesome beans. But the untold story is that the unofficial method of beans preservation is the use of these poisonous chemicals. Dry fish, maize and other pest-susceptible cereals and consumables are usually sprayed with these crop protection (not grain protection) chemicals.

A bean merchant who demanded anonymity told The Guardian that “what many people didn’t know is that farmers have always been using Sniper to preserve their grains. They don’t feel any remorse when applying it, because according to them, that is the only method they know for beans preservation.”

The Guardian, November 22, 2018

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