The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to supporting Agbeyewa Farms in its efforts to increase cassava production and agro-processing, recognizing the company’s large-scale investment as a model for enhancing food security and economic empowerment in Nigeria. This pledge was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during a recent working visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Kyari praised the company’s impressive growth, emphasizing the vital role of private-sector collaboration in strengthening the cassava value chain. He remarked that Agbeyewa Farms’ expansion aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving food security through large-scale agricultural investment.
A Vision for Economic Growth and Food Security
Kyari emphasized the broader potential of cassava, which goes beyond providing food to driving industrial production through its various derivatives. “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 just two years. I see wealth creation… I see food security which speaks to the President’s vision of renewed hope,” Kyari said.
He further emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting innovative agricultural ventures that prioritize 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,” Kyari added.
Agbeyewa Farms’ Commitment to Agricultural Transformation
Seyi Aiyeleso, the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving agricultural transformation and rural development. “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 stated.
He highlighted the company’s collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, which includes a memorandum of understanding 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,” Aiyeleso explained.
Agbeyewa Farms is also expanding its agro-processing capacity, with plans for a new 26-hectare plant set to begin operations soon. The plant will produce high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, sugar, and ethanol, further strengthening the company’s contribution to the cassava value chain.
Partnerships for Sustainable Growth and Innovation
The Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, Kabir Shagaya, also emphasized Agbeyewa Farms’ partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) 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, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, has made impressive strides in improving both the scale and quality of its operations. The company remains focused on becoming Africa’s leading agro-allied company, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and contributing to rural prosperity.
The Way Forward: Strengthening the Cassava Value Chain
With the Federal Government’s support, Agbeyewa Farms is poised to further enhance its operations and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. By focusing on large-scale cassava production, agro-processing, and partnerships with local and international organizations, the company is setting a strong example for food security and economic empowerment in Nigeria.
The government’s commitment to supporting Agbeyewa Farms underscores the importance of private-sector investment in agriculture and its potential to drive both food security and economic growth in the country. The future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector looks promising, with ventures like Agbeyewa Farms leading the way in cassava production, industrialization, and rural development.
