BAYELSA TO ESTABLISH CASSAVA FARM AND PROCESSING PLANT

BAYELSA TO ESTABLISH CASSAVA FARM AND PROCESSING PLANT

 The Bayelsa State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DPP International, Denmark, for the establishment of a Cassava Farm and Plant for processing starch in the state. Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony at Government House, Yenagoa,  Governor Seriake Dickson noted that the partnership is an opportunity to add value to the Cassava product which serves as an important source of food for the people. 

According to the Governor, who was represented by His Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), stated that the establishment of a cassava processing plant in the state will encourage the production of the crop. He also stated that the factories to be built will create job opportunities and support the manpower development needs of the state.  The State Chief Executive commended the Danish company for their decision to partner with the state to develop its abundant potentials in the agricultural sub-sector.

 The Governor noted that the dearth of industries in the state is responsible for the low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index of the state as compared to other states of the federation and urged the company to help government achieve its dream of industrialization. This, he said, prompted government to set up the Bayelsa State Development Company, which is among other things saddled with responsibility of supervising all the industries to be established in the state. Governor Dickson used the occasion to call on DPP International, Denmark to also explore other areas it could collaborate with the state government promising that government, on its part, will do everything possible to make the partnership successful.

 According to him, Nigeria remains the biggest economy in West Africa followed by Lagos State, and the state is eager to exploit all avenues to become a global player in various sectors of the economy. In his earlier remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, DPP International, Denmark, Mr. Wolfgang Holz explained that the company is experienced enough to provide a medium level technology through the establishment of the Cassava Farm and Processing Plant, having undertaken similar assignments in South Asia and Brazil. 

Mr. Holz stated that DPP wants to establish farms that will be run professionally in the state as well as develop better methods of farming noting that the environment is suited for the venture. He said that starch, which is the main nutrients in the cassava crop, can be refined to provide other alternative sources of food such as noodles and pasta, glucose, sweetener as well as for use in the paper products industry.. The MD/CEO of DPP further said that with the establishment of the farms and starch processing plant in the state, Bayelsa and Nigeria in general will gain access into the international market. He expressed the belief that, despite the obvious challenges, the partnership will be a success and assured government of its commitment to the project. 
 Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State