The Anambra State Government is embarking on a strategic push towards the industrialisation of its agricultural sector. The goal is to empower farmers to generate foreign exchange through large-scale farming and export-oriented processing of their produce.
This initiative was highlighted during the inauguration of Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited, a new tuber crop processing company situated in Akwaeze, Anaocha Local Government Area. The company, founded by industrialist Ikenna Okafor, is set to process crops such as yams, cassava, and potatoes for the international market.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Ben Odoemena, stated that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo prioritises industrial-scale farming, moving beyond traditional subsistence methods. He emphasised that this approach would not only ensure food security but also provide farmers with direct access to foreign currency earnings.
“With the establishment of tuber crop processing plant, there would be no fear of unsold farm produce rotting away, but would rather be processed and exported,” Odoemena remarked. He added that the state aims to cultivate, process, and export produce to enhance the economic well-being of its citizens.
The government pledges continued support for agro-processing industries that add value and mitigate post-harvest losses. Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited's technology is expected to streamline the processing and export of farm products, thereby securing foreign exchange for farmers.
Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of Ideal Agro Allied Produce Limited, confirmed the company's commitment to tackling produce wastage and creating export avenues. The company has already begun large-scale yam cultivation on a 200-plot farmland in Ufuma and is reportedly earning foreign exchange.
Okafor noted that the company has secured approvals from food processing agencies in America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and NAFDAC in Nigeria. This will facilitate the processing of yams, potatoes, cassava, and other tuber crops, ensuring minimal waste and maximising export potential.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by various farmers' groups, government officials, and agricultural stakeholders. Dr Esther Okafor, Director of the company, described the initiative as a significant innovation in agricultural processing and export development.
The Soludo administration has consistently identified agriculture, industrialisation, and export-oriented production as core components of its economic blueprint for Anambra State.
