The Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CPFAN) has announced plans to construct three mega processing factories in three of South-West states to support farming businesses and boost production.
The President of CPFAN Ayodele Ojo, who disclosed this, said the maga processing factories would cost N1.5billion. Each of the factory would cost N500m. According to him the processing factories would be producing plaintain and cocoa powder for domestic use and will be made available in the markets soon, saying the factories will be sited in Ondo, Osun and Ogun state.
Incorporating Plantain commodity
“We hope to establish this mega-processing factories in all six geo-political zones, the north central and north-east, south-west, south-east, south-south, regions of the country for a start, then the last geo-political zone. The reason for this is that, there are regions that are still lacking in these commodities. The scope of this project also include the extension of this commodities into those regions evenly. Overtime, we believe, the last region will be able reap the benefits as well, full details of the project is in the proposal which will be provided based on request,” he said.
The association will soon establish mini versions of the projects as complements to the mega-project in other states as well on the long run. Ayodele implored the ministry to incorporate Plantain commodity into Anchor Borrowers Scheme and seek agricultural inputs such as agro- chemicals, improved varieties of cocoa and plantain for planting and any other necessary agro inputs.
“We are also looking into how we can also merge the two commodities into one single dietary product that is generally suitable for consumption for all ages, acceptable, and valuable for all. We have already foster partnerships with the department of Food and Science Technology in OAU, Ile-Ife and FUTA to help us facilitate the research. We believe this will also increase the value bank for this two commodities. The challenges of agriculture in Nigeria requires the coming together of all stakeholders to synergise efforts in achieving the much desired self-sufficiency in agriculture,” said Ayodele.
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