The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting industrialised agriculture as part of efforts to achieve food sufficiency, expand agricultural exports and increase foreign exchange earnings for farmers across the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture Ben Odoemena made this known during the inauguration of Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited a tuber crop processing company located in Akwaeze Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
Odoemena stated that the administration of Chukwuma Soludo is committed to supporting farmers to transition from subsistence farming to commercial and industrial-scale agricultural production capable of driving economic growth and wealth creation.
According to the commissioner, the establishment of the agro-processing facility will significantly reduce post-harvest losses by providing farmers with a reliable outlet for processing unsold produce into exportable products.
“With the establishment of a tuber crop processing plant there will no longer be fear of unsold produce rotting away because it can now be processed and exported he said.
He described the facility as a major milestone in promoting value addition within the agricultural sector and noted that agro-processing remains a critical component of modern agricultural development.
The commissioner further explained that Anambra State is moving beyond agriculture for local consumption and is now focused on cultivating, processing and exporting agricultural commodities to generate income and strengthen the state’s economy.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited, Ikenna Okafor, emphasised the importance of food security and value-added agriculture in national development.
Okafor disclosed that the company recently embarked on large-scale yam cultivation on a 200-plot farmland in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area and has already begun generating foreign exchange earnings from the venture.
He explained that the processing plant was established to address the challenge of farm produce wastage by creating a system that allows farmers to process unsold yams, cassava, potatoes and other tuber crops for export.
According to him, the company will process and package agricultural produce for international markets and remit proceeds to farmers after deducting processing and handling costs.
He added that the company has secured the necessary approvals from food regulatory agencies in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom and Nigeria including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Okafor noted that beyond reducing wastage the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities, improve farmer’s incomes and strengthen Anambra State’s position as a hub for agro-industrial development and agricultural exports.
