Agbeyewa Farms Restricted has unveiled a 12-point agenda designed to remodel cassava farming and tackle meals insecurity within the nation.
The agenda was made public throughout a presentation to a delegation from the US Company for Worldwide Improvement throughout a current working go to to the farm.
On the assembly, the Director of Technique for Cavista Holdings (mother or father firm of Agbeyewa Farms), Kabir Shagaya, defined that the blueprint emanated from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the corporate’s chairman, Niyi John Olajide, and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in Might 2024, to determine a state-of-the-art cassava farm overlaying 100,000 hectares inside the state.
He added that the initiative could be delivered by means of an in-grower/out-grower cooperative programme the place eligible farmers could be organised into cooperatives of 100-150 members, every managing a 500-hectare plot.
Among the highlights of the corporate’s plans embrace huge land clearing and preparation for the 2025 farming season in partnership with the Nationwide Agricultural Land Improvement Authority, intensive farmer coaching by means of its in-house coaching academy, and the event of an Agbeyewa Mannequin City (consisting of residential items, colleges, healthcare amenities, leisure areas, and Bus Speedy Transit logistics for transportation inside and outdoors the neighborhood).
Shagaya introduced a plan to ask worldwide donors, reminiscent of USAID and america African Improvement Basis, to help the agency’s programme.
The main focus of this help contains varied features of their operations, reminiscent of integrating farmers, overlaying infrastructure prices, addressing preliminary operational wants, offering coaching, enhancing cooperative operations, and facilitating market integration by means of off-taker preparations, geared toward considerably lowering post-harvest losses.
“Cassava has been missed as a staple crop in Nigeria; nevertheless, Agbeyewa Farms’ long-term plan is to stimulate and guarantee a cassava revolution that drives development and prosperity in Nigeria,” he acknowledged.
Additionally shedding mild on the corporate’s long-term plans, the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso, stated the corporate was presently working throughout 10,000 hectares of land throughout 9 communities within the state.
He additionally revealed that its 26-hectare agro-processing plant was set to start operations quickly and would produce high-quality cassava derivatives, together with flour, starch, and ethanol.
The USAID Crew, comprised of the Senior Agriculture Advisor, Xavier Preciado; Undertaking Administration Specialist – Personal Sector Engagement, Susan Oranye; and Supervisor/Government Assistant to the Mission Director, Grace Bojuto.
Agbeyewa Farms Restricted, headquartered in Ekiti State, specialises in cassava cultivation, aggregation, and gross sales. The corporate additionally affords a spread of companies, together with tools leasing, car and farm equipment repairs, and industrial fumigation, catering to companies throughout the area.