Cassava City: Kogi Clears Massive Land For Cultivation, Processing

The Kogi Government says it is currently

clearing massive hectares of land in the

Osara, Adavi Local Government Area of the

state for cassava cultivation and processing

under its Fair Agric Project (FAP).

Mr Oyisi Okatahi, the Managing Director of

Kogi Agricultural Development Project

(KADP), told the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) on Friday in Lokoja.

He said that the new agriculture city would

be called “Cassava City: A City Built on

God”, with a total land area of 12, 500

hectares.

Okatahi added that the city would involve

the entire value chain of cassava, including

farmers, agro chemical & equipment dealers,

extension agents, processors, among others.

“We are currently clearing massive land to

build a cassava city at Osara, which is the

first of its kind in Kogi to be built under the

Fair Agric Project (FAP).

“The land is free of charge and there is also

opportunity to receive subsidy inputs like

fertilizers and herbicides.

“We want to start with at least 10 hectares

and if we get support we shall clear the

entire place which is 12,500 hectares.

“We appreciate the good people of Osara for

donating their land free of charge for this

project.

“The city will be powered by off-grid Solar

energy, and have various amenities like

residential houses, clinics, educational

institutions, and insurance firms to mitigate

against risk.

“We shall ensure orderliness, security and

proper organisation. All you need do is to

apply online or at our head office or any

zonal office, and you will be qualified.

“No need for connections, it is based on first

come first serve basis,” he said.

Okatahi noted that cassava was presently at

high demand and that Kogi remained the

number one cassava producer in the

country.

According to him, the state is already having

two major processing companies – UNICANE

and Crest Agro – with a combined daily

capacity of 2,500 metric tonnes (MT)

He added that the 2,500 MT of two

processing plants could only source about

10 per cent, saying a tonne of cassava was

sold between N20, 000 to N26, 000.

“At these prices you can get 80 to 100 per

cent return on your investment in other

words you can double your money in 10

months.

“His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, is

committed to the success of Agriculture in

Kogi State. He is dedicated to creating jobs

and opportunities for our youths, women and

farmers in general.

“Above all, this city is a faith based city

meaning it is founded on God’s word. So

when people commit their plans to God they

are sure to succeed,” Okatahi said.