The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the company, Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, says that by the end of October this year, his company will take over 100 per cent of the oranges produced in the state.
Dr. Asemakaha disclosed this when he received representatives of fruit processing giants SONO and PICAMA Group at the BIPC corporate office in Makurdi, the state capital. He says the move is to ensure that Benue oranges no longer leave the state unprocessed for markets outside the state.
Representatives of SONO and PICAMA Group are in the state ahead of the commencement of operation at Benval Juice and Benfruits factories, a subsidiary of BIPC.
The arrival of the investors marks a new era in the company’s efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and boost the state’s economy, says Dr. Asemakaha.
According to the BIPC boss, investment in orange processing will create a stable market for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses by up to 80 per cent, increase farmers’ income, improve livelihoods, and generate job opportunities for the state’s teeming youth population.
He adds that the factories will enhance the overall efficiency of agricultural operations, contribute significantly to Benue’s economic growth, increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and retain more wealth within the state.
“This partnership demonstrates the potential for collaboration and innovation in our agricultural sector, in line with the vision of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State,” says the BIPC GMD.
He, therefore, urged farmers and the Orange Growers Association to work together to ensure the initiative’s success.
SONO Brazil Chairman Luiz Arenac appreciated the state government’s partnership and assured that his team would work hard to deliver on the October target.
