By Ovat Lawrence.
FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC SIGNS N18 BILLION OFFTAKE AGREEMENT WITH PROJECT GROW.
There’s no better way to kickstart this year’s commercial farming season than having ready markets for the farmers.
Ahead of the planting season for maize and soybeans in a competitive-free market, Project Grow- an initiative of His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has signed an offtake agreement with Flour Mills Nigeria PLC to supply 20,000 metric tonnes of maize and 2,000 metric tonnes of soybeans.
During the signing event in the ministry of agriculture and irrigation development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo KSM, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, expressed happiness and confidence in Project Grow’s ability to meet the agreed metrics for maize and soybeans on time, emphasizing that the initiative was conceived by Governor Bassey Otu even before he assumed office. He described Project Grow as the “progenitor” of shared prosperity and a guiding framework for the administration’s effort to enhance the lives of Cross River residents.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Dennis Ikpali, the State Director of Project Grow, highlighted it’s market- driven approach, which bridges the gap between demand and supply by bringing stakeholders, including service providers, intermediaries, and processors.
“It addresses market challenges and profer solutions to facilitate agribusiness. With the agreement for twenty thousand metric tonnes of maize and two thousand metric tonnes of soybeans, 100,000 farmers across the state will be empowered to meet the necessary production targets and fulfill Flour Mills Nigeria PLC’s feed requirements.” Ikpali stated.
Alhaji Ibrahim Hussaini, a representative of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the agreement, urging Project Grow to supply high-quality seeds for optimal production.
Earlier, Mr Brian Ugbe, the Director of soil management stated that the offtake valued at eighteen billion naira is a significant achievement worth celebrating. He commended the state government for fostering a supportive agribusiness environment through Project Grow.
Various stakeholders expressed optimism about the MOU’s success in their goodwill messages. Notably, Prof. Surv. Gertrude Njar, the Chairman, Governing Council of the College of Agriculture, Obubra pledged to leverage the institution’s expertise to ensure production meets global standards.
NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Joke Oyenuga, assured that disciplined Corps members would be assigned to assist in the project, while Dr. Ahmed Adekunle, CEO of Nigeria Agriculture Mechanization and Equipment Leasing Company expressed readiness to provide mechanization services for timely production.
