ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi-
Umza International Farming Limited, an agricultural firm, is seeking partnership with the Bauchi State Government to invest $1 million in order to boost rice and sugar production in the state.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the firm, Mohammed Maifata during an advocacy visit to the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, at the Government House on Monday.
Mr. Maifata who said that with this investment, the state is expected to generate N30bn as annual turnover, added that his firm would provide all the necessary inputs for sugar and rice production in the state.
According to him, the investment would provide an opportunity for over 3,000 out growers on Umza farms and over 5,000 out growers in their own farms.
In his words: “Your Excellency, we are here to look at ways of investing in agricultural sector in Bauchi state, as you are aware, we are the biggest rice mill in Africa with largest production capacity”.
“We are not only investing in rice, but in other commodities such as oil and sugar. We are ready to expand our operations in various ways for the economic development of Bauchi state.”
In his response, Governor Mohammed, said Bauchi is blessed with abundant minerals resources and therefore his administration would work assiduously to ensure all the potentials of the state are exploited no matter their location.
He said the State Government is ready to provide level playing field for critical stakeholders to invest in the agricultural sector, so as to raise the state’s GDP and ensure compliance with modern techniques in farming.
Mohammed said: “We are happy to receive you on behalf of myself, the Government and people of Bauchi state. We in Bauchi we have a big challenge and we have really come up with a robust agricultural policy and your coming will added inpetors to the implementation of our agro policy.”
“We have received you with a lot of hope, we will work with you in this important investment. Bauchi is an agricultural state, we have a lot of solid minerals that need to be harnessed.”
He therefore appealed to the authorities concerned on the need to ensure full engagement of Bauchi farmers on the CBN driven interventions in agriculture to enable them benefit for enhanced production.
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