A US$ 120m potato processing factory and farm is set to be constructed in Manchok in Kaura Local Government Area-Nigeria.
Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai flagged off the construction of the Potato Processing factory which is in line with the administration’s economic diversification programme.
“The state government was fully committed to supporting agricultural practices so as to enhance development, diversify the economy in the country and boost Internally Generated Revenue and through this initiative we are confident that the objective shall be met,” Mr. El-Rufai said.
He further expressed his belief that the return of vibrant economic activities and reduction of poverty among the residents which would result to prosperity and reduce the divisions that became distinct as the state’s economy entered dire straits in the late 1980s.
The Minister of State of Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar was also present during the inauguration and described the development as a major stride towards moving the nation’s economy forward.
The Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), Gambo Hamza, gave the details of the project and pointed out that for the plant to be constructed successfully, it would need about 10,000 hectares of land for potato cultivation.
The new project is being constructed Vicampro International, an agro-based company with branches in several countries in partnership with the Nigerian government. It is anticipated to be the first of its kind in West Africa and is projected to be completed in the next 18 months.
Upon completion, the factory is projected to have a capacity to process 2,500 tonnes of potatoes daily and create at least 30,000 jobs especially to the youths.
Vicampro is leading the way in developing the potato value chain. They provide the critical components that enable success in the potato value chain including Storage Facilities, Certified High Quality Seeds, Processing Facilities, Sales and Marketing, Irrigation System.