Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with three Companies for sugarcane cultivation and sugar production in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo on his Social Media Page said the MOU signed at the Government House Minna, was described as a giant leap towards achieving the much-lauded agricultural revolution in the state.
The agreement was signed between Uttham Sucrotech International, Rite Foods Ltd, Legacy Sugar Company Ltd with the Niger Foods for a three-year, 148,000 hectares project that will see to the establishment of 6 sugar mills in Niger State with 4 to be located in Shiroro and Minna.
Abdullberqy Ebbo said each of the six sugar factories was estimated to have a capacity of 5000 to 15000 (TCD) tonnes of sugarcane crushed per day, producing the likes of sugar, Ethanol and Power (Clean Energy).
He stated that it has a yearly projection of 1.6 million tonnes of sugar and 1.45 million tonnes of Ethanol is expected, to boost domestic food production and Exports.
According to him, the agreement will further serve as an avenue for providing an enabling environment for investments in the State and open doors of opportunities to the citizenry in enhancing industrialization in Niger state.
Ebbo revealed that in addition to improving food security and the quality of life of the people, the project also aligns with the state Government’s Green Economy Initiative, with Ethanol blending with fuel reducing the carbon footprint in the State.
He highlighted other benefits of the program to the State including; The production and provision, by Uttam Sucrotech Company, of 110,000 out-growers and other by-products of sugarcane such as refined ethanol, power, and cattle feeds among others, and empowering local farmers for self-sufficiency.
Others are the provision of an off-take program of 145 million litres of ethanol from the sugar plant, with each benefitting Farmer making between 5 and 6 million Naira revenue every year, just as the initiative has the added benefit of reducing the pressure on the dollar while increasing community growth and development among others.
The Special Adviser added that the out-grower and off-taker components of the agreement will encourage community participation in the program, which will further the cause of poverty alleviation by creating jobs, skills acquisitions, and training and encourage community participation component.
Lantana Nasir
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