PRODUCTION

This study entailed the production of ginger powder and analysis for selected phytochemicals and minerals element constituents. Examined phytochemicals were flavonoid, saponin, glycoside, phenols, alkaloid, tannin, coumarin, quinones and steroids while selected mineral elements analysed were iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and sodium. The ginger rhizomes for this study were obtained from New Benin Market, Edo State, Nigeria. Standard methods were used for processing the ginger powder. Specifically, the presence or absence of the selected phytochemicals was determined. Findings indicated that for fresh ginger rhizomes, the examined minerals are of the following values: Fe (1.00mg/L), Mg (0.75mg/L), Ca (0.50mg/L), Zn (0.80mg/L), K (19.7mg/L) and Na (2.2mg/L). For the processed ginger powder, the obtained values for the examined mineral constituents are: Fe (1.60mg/L), Mg (1.08mg/L), Ca (0.30mg/L), Zn (1.20mg/L), K (61.1mg/L) and Na (11.4mg/L). Based on findings from this study, ginger powder is a good source of the examined food minerals.

This study analyzed the profitability of cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically examined the socio– economic characteristics of cassava farmers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing profitability, and documented constraints faced by producers. A two – stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 cassava farmers from five major farming communities in the local government area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that cassava production in the area is dominated by small – scale farmers with a mean age of 42 years, average farm size of 1.3 hectares, and relatively high educational attainment. Budgetary analysis showed the enterprise to be profitable with a gross margin of ₦107,929.46 and net profit of ₦67,054.70 per farmer per production cycle, yielding a net profit margin of 25.4%. Regression results identified farm size, yield and fertilizer cost as significant positive determinants of profitability

Enzymes are biological catalysts that regulate specific biologicak reactions. Pectinase is an essential industrial enzyme widely utilized in food processing, textile, and paper industries due to its ability to degrade pectin and enhance product quality. Microorganisms like Aspergillus spp have been used in the commercial production of this industrially important enzyme.This study aimed to investigate the production of pectinase using Aspergillus spp isolated from soil samples
under submerged fermentation conditions. Aspergillus species were isolated from a total of five (5) soil samples gotten from dump sites within the University of Benin and the village of Ekosodin, after all the samples were serially diluted and inoculated on Potato dextrose agar (PDA) using the pour plate technique. Pure cultures were obtained and the fungal isolates were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics then screening was carried out, for selecting species that are capable of producing amylase on a commercial scale. The results were based on the mean counts of the fungi isolates which ranged from 13±1.00 ×10³cfu/g to 37±1.00 ×10³ cfu/g representing the lowest and highest mean counts obtained respectively, percentage frequency of the fungi isolates showing the various fungi isolated which include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tarmari, Mucor, Penicillium Chrysogenum, Penicillium spp and Fusarium of which Aspergillus niger has the highest percentage of occurrence(35), morphological description, optical density of which 0.09±0.0005 and 0.314±0.005 represents the lowest and highest values respectively.In conclusion, the results from this study shows that Aspergillus species were predominant in the soil and can be readily isolated and applied industrially in the production of the enzyme pectinase

Oil palm seedling production is a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, particularly in Edo State, where it supports rural livelihoods and contributes to national income. This study evaluated the economics of oil palm seedling production in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of producers, estimated production costs and returns, identified factors influencing revenue, and assessed constraints faced by farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents from five oil palm seedling-producing communities. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and multiple regression. Results revealed that the majority of producers were male (61%), middle-aged (50% aged 21–40 years), and educated (94% had at least primary education). The average household size was 5 members, and most farmers operated small-scale farms (55% cultivated 0.5–1 hectare). Total production cost averaged ₦401,867.27, with land rent (₦109,558.82) and fertilizer (₦55,655.13) as major expenses. The enterprise proved profitable, generating a gross margin of ₦588,325.60 and a return on investment (ROI) of 1.464. Regression analysis indicated that seed cost (r = 4.65, p < 0.001) and fertilizer cost (r = 4.85, p < 0.001) significantly enhanced revenue, explaining 61.5% of variability (R² = 0.615). Key constraints included inadequate finance (100% of respondents), high transportation costs (99%), irregular input supply (99%), labor shortages (98%), and land tenure issues (99%).

The purpose of this project is to design a small-scale biogas digester that uses household food waste as feedstock to address the financial and environmental issues that arise from food waste. The aim is to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by producingbiogas from biodegradable waste, which can be used for power generation and cooking. A review of the literature, conceptual design, meticulous manufacturing, and performance testing are among the goals. The study emphasizes how important it is to address rising food waste to improve the environment and provide financial relief. The project's goal is to make it easier for homes to adopt biogas plants by offering ideas that are simple enough for installation. The scope includes designing and building a biogas canister digester as well as producing biogas from home food waste.

This study investigates the technology employed in the production of Type 4 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) composite cylinders and explores potential improvements to enhance their performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Type 4 cylinders, composed of a polymer liner fully wrapped with fiber-reinforced composites, represent the most advanced generation of LPG storage vessels due to their lightweight structure, corrosion resistance, and superior burst strength. Data for the research were obtained through field observations at Don Mac Limited, review of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering simulations. The study analyzed each stage of the production process—from liner molding and surface preparation to filament winding, curing, testing, and inspection—based on ISO 11119-3 and EN 12245 standards. Simulation results revealed that substituting high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners with polyamide (PA11) and E-glass fibers with hybrid carbon–glass reinforcements increased burst pressure from 50 bar to 70 bar while maintaining a high factor of safety.

The study analyzed the profitability of oil palm Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, estimated the inputs and output quantities of oil palm FFB production in the study area, estimated the costs and returns of oil palm FFB production and its profitability at different ages of the palms in the study area, examined the factors affecting profitability of oil palm FFB production in the study area and identified the constraints faced by respondents in the study area. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting the respondents for the research. A Total 109 copies of questionnaire were sent to the field to collect primary data and 70 copies were retrieved and data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative techniques. Result study showed that the oil palm produces were mainly male (71.4%), with a mean age of about 48 years and formal educational background. Oil palm FFB was found to be most profitable at the age range of 9-18years with an estimated Net Farm Income of N881644.71 per hectare. and there was profit for palm younger than 8 years at the Gross Margin level with an estimated gross margin of N253619.18 but the net income was negative meaning a loss in the long run

The need for sustainable energy and waste management solutions around the world has made it essential to look into locally available and affordable organic feedstocks for biogas production. This study looks at the possibility of creating biogas through cold (psychrophilic) anaerobic codigestion of two common and often problematic wastes in Nigeria: water hyacinth(WH) and cattle rumen content (CRC), As part of the study, the feedstocks were characterized, daily biogas production and pH variation were calculated, and the efficacy of a 2:1 (CRC:WH) mixture at room temperature without external heating was evaluated. The experiment was carried out with a 5kg batch digester over a 30-day retention time. The feedstock analysis revealed a high moisture content (80.25%) and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 69 g/L, indicating a substantial organic load suitable for digestion. After an 11-day lag period, biogas production began, coinciding with a pH increase from 6.13 to 6.73, putting it in the optimal range for methanogenic activity. On the 30th day, a peak biogas yield of 2090 ml was recorded at a pH of 8.46, indicating a direct correlation between increasing pH and increased biogas production. The cumulative production profile clearly demonstrated the sequence of hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis. The study comes to the conclusion that it is both technically possible and efficient to cold co-digest water hyacinth and cattle rumen content in a 2:1 ratio. A balanced microbial environment was produced by the carbonrich water hyacinth and nitrogen-rich rumen content working together to support long-term biogas production.