The Federal Government has pledged support for Agbeyewa Farms in its efforts to expand cassava production and agro-processing, describing the company’s large-scale investment as a model for food security and economic empowerment.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave this assurance during a working visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He praised the company’s rapid expansion, emphasizing that private-sector collaboration is crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s cassava value chain.
“The vision behind Agbeyewa Farms aligns perfectly with the government’s drive for food security through large-scale agricultural investment. I am impressed by what I have seen here today, considering that they achieved all this in just two years. I see wealth creation… I see food security, which speaks to the President’s vision of renewed hope,” Kyari said.
He highlighted cassava’s potential beyond food consumption, noting its industrial applications in producing flour, starch, sugar, and ethanol. “We are committed to supporting innovative ventures like Agbeyewa Farms that prioritise both food availability and economic growth. The first step is to visit and assess, and we have done that. The next step is to explore partnership opportunities to enhance productivity,” he added.
Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to agricultural transformation and rural development. “At Agbeyewa Farms, we believe agriculture is a catalyst for economic transformation. Since we began operations, we have expanded our cassava cultivation from just over 102 hectares in 2022 to more than 1,500 hectares across four farm locations in Ekiti State,” he said.
Aiyeleso also highlighted the company’s memorandum of understanding with the Ekiti State Government to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cassava. “Through this initiative, we provide farmers with access to machinery, inputs, and guaranteed off-take agreements, ensuring they benefit directly from our growth,” he added.
He further revealed plans for a 26-hectare agro-processing plant set to commence operations soon. “The plant will produce high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, sugar, and ethanol, further enhancing our contribution to the cassava value chain,” he said.
Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, Kabir Shagaya, emphasized Agbeyewa Farms’ collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to improve cassava yields. “We work closely with IITA to ensure we cultivate the best cassava varieties for this region. While the average cassava yield per hectare is six tonnes, our farms produce up to 30 tonnes per hectare, a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation,” he noted.
Agbeyewa Farms, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, aims to become Africa’s leading agro-allied company while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and rural prosperity.
