A $120 million (U.S.) potato farm and processing plant is underway in Kaduna state in northwest Nigeria. The Vicampro Potato Farm and processing facility in Manchok, Kaura is expected to cover 10,000 hectares of land and generate 30,000 job opportunities.
At the ground breaking ceremony, state authorities said more than 60 per cent of its byproduct would be for export. The Managing Director of Vicampro company, Michael Agbogbo, said the company would produce French fries, Irish flakes and biscuits for local and international consumption.
Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State said the processing facility would earn foreign exchange and reduce over-dependence on oil. El-Rufa’i said the State Government was determined to promote agricultural practices to fast track development, diversify the economy and boost internally generated revenue.
Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, lamented the drop in oil prices, which he said had drastically affected the Country’s economy. “There is therefore need for diversification as the only alternative.” He added there was the need for synergy among all stakeholders to actualize the initiative.
The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, described the development as a giant stride towards moving the economy forward.
The Chief of Moro’a, Malam Tagwai Sambo, commended the State Government for establishing the facility in Manchok and pledged the cooperation of the community.
Source: The Eagle
