Saturday, 24 September 2016

Kaduna launches $120m potato farm


The Kaduna State Government on Friday performed the ground breaking for its $120 million Vicampro Potatoes Farm and Processing facility in Manchok, Kaura.

The farm is expected to cover 10,000 hectares of land and generate 30,000 job opportunities. And it plans to be Africa’s biggest.

Performing the ceremony, Gov. 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.

“Today’s event is a product of the Kaduna Economic Summit in April this year, where it showcased the numerous investment potentials in the State,” he said.

El-Rufai also appealed to the host community to support and cooperate with Vicampro to pave way for the attainment of its mission.



Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 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''

Emefiele said there was need for synergy among all stakeholders to actualise the initiative.

He commended the Kaduna State government for supporting the CBN to guarantee stable micro economy.

The CBN Governor assured the people that the bank would collaborate with the State government to translate the idea to reality for the benefit of all.

In a remark, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mrs Aisha Abubakar, described the development as a giant stride towards moving the economy forward.

Earlier in his address, the Managing Director of Vicampro company, Michael Agbogbo said the company would produce French fries, Irish flakes and biscuits for local and international consumption.

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.



NAN

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