The Chief Executive Officer of Green Harvest Foodstuff, Joshua Apeh, has stated that Benue South has the potential to become a global hub for carbohydrate production and processing. This can be achieved if the region develops its agricultural value chain. Apeh made this statement during an interview with Idoma Television after taking Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, on a tour of the Green Harvest Foodstuffs factory.
Apeh emphasized that agriculture is a significant part of the heritage of the people of Benue, particularly in the production of cassava and yam. He noted that the average person in Benue is a cassava and yam farmer. Apeh's investment in Green Harvest Foodstuffs was driven by the desire to create opportunities for farmers and young people in the region by providing a reliable market for agricultural produce.
Green Harvest Foodstuffs processes cassava into various products, including food-grade ethanol, alcoholic ethanol, garri, cassava powder, and cassava chips. The company also produces groundnut oil, yam powder, and livestock feed. Apeh explained that his goal is to build a ray of hope for the people of Benue, where they can rely on agriculture and have a market to sell their produce.
Apeh argued that Benue South should not remain primarily a producer of raw agricultural commodities. Instead, the region should develop the processing infrastructure required to maximize the economic benefits of its agricultural resources. He believes that Benue South can become a global hub for carbohydrate production and processing.
Despite the region's agricultural potential, particularly in cassava production, Apeh expressed concern over the lack of sufficient processing capacity. He asked, "Where is the factory? Where is the processing? Where is the added value?" Green Harvest Foodstuffs was established partly to address this gap and create opportunities for young people who have struggled to find sustainable employment.
The development of a proper cassava value chain could have implications beyond Benue South. The region could potentially supply processed carbohydrate products to markets across Nigeria, Africa, and other parts of the world. Apeh stated that Benue South can sustain Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa, and become a carbohydrate hub for the world.
The location of Green Harvest Foodstuffs in Benue South was deliberate, given the area's agricultural heritage and the need to connect farmers to processing and markets. Apeh's vision centers on developing an integrated agricultural value chain that links farmers to processing facilities, creates employment opportunities, and adds value to crops produced in Benue South.
Key points
- Benue South can become a global hub for carbohydrate production and processing by developing its agricultural value chain.
- Green Harvest Foodstuffs processes cassava into various products, including food-grade ethanol, garri, and cassava powder.
- The company aims to create opportunities for farmers and young people in the region by providing a reliable market for agricultural produce.
