Kogi launches crops processing zone

Performing the launching ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Dr Adewumi Adesina, said when fully operational, the industry will provide 8,000 jobs, adding that 62,000 metric tonnes of starch and 45,000 tonnes of sweetener will be produced through the processing zone while N14.5 billion will be saved from the importation of the same products.He said: “The Alape […]

Performing the launching ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Dr Adewumi Adesina, said when fully operational, the industry will provide 8,000 jobs, adding that 62,000 metric tonnes of starch and 45,000 tonnes of sweetener will be produced through the processing zone while N14.5 billion will be saved from the importation of the same products.
He said: “The Alape crop processing will help improve road, water, gas supply and other infrastructure to the zone. The crop processing across the country will attract between N666 billion to N1.4 trillion to the economy annually.”
Also speaking at the event, Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, said the state has already planted 200 hectares of cassava, adding that it would also establish a 15,000 hectares cassava  farm.  He said that the produce from the farm will lead to the establishment of  several agro-allied and sweetener industries to in the state.
While assuring the community of adequate payment of compensation to all farm holders in Alape, Wada called for support from the community, saying that the project is a model of cooperation among the federal, state and local governments.
Vice Chairman of the American partners in the project, Cargill, Mr Emeri Koenig, said  the group will work towards using the abundant potentials in Kogi State to make the nation a net exporter of food and to make the state a reservoir for starch and sweetener industries.  
In his speech, the project coordinator, James Awoniyi, said the farm which commenced operation in August last year, covered 200 hectares of land.
Chairman, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Mr. Olorufemi Emmanuel Funso, stressed that the staple crop zone will empower the youth of the communities involved and create wealth in the locality.
The traditional ruler of the area, Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olubayo, said the traditional institution will ensure that peaceful atmosphere reins in the area and the industry is utilized in the best way.