The Federal Government has pledged support for Agbeyewa Farms in its drive to boost cassava production and agro-processing, describing the company’s large-scale investment as a model for food security and economic empowerment.
According to a statement, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this commitment during a working visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Kyari lauded the company’s expansion, stressing that private-sector collaboration is key to strengthening the cassava value chain.
“The vision behind Agbeyewa Farms aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s drive to achieve food security through large-scale agricultural investment. I am impressed by what I have seen here today, considering that they did all this in two years. I see wealth creation… I see food security which speaks to the President’s vision of renewed hope,” Kyari said.
The minister noted that cassava has the potential to drive economic growth beyond food consumption, as its derivatives can boost industrial production.
“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 see what we can do to partner and assist to enhance the productivity of this laudable establishment,” he added.
Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving agricultural transformation and rural development, stating “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.”
Aiyeleso 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.
Aiyeloso also revealed plans for a 26-hectare agro-processing plant set to commence operations soon, remarking “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.”
Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, Kabir Shagaya, emphasised Agbeyewa Farms’ partnership 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,” Shagaya noted. “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.”
Agbeyewa Farms is a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings. The company added it remains focused on becoming Africa’s leading agro-allied company while fostering sustainable agricultural practices and rural prosperity.