Bayelsa to Establish Cassava Farm, Processing Plant.

Determined to boost the agriculture sector, Bayelsa State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DPP International, Denmark, for the establishment of a cassava farm and plant for processing starch in the state.

While signing the MoU in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, Governor Seriake Dickson said the partnership with the foreign firm was an avenue to add value to the cassava product which serves as an important source of food for the people.

In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), at the occasion, noted that the establishment of a cassava processing plant in the state would encourage massive production of the crop.

Dickson said the factories to be built would create job opportunities and support the manpower development needs of the state. He commended the Danish firm for its decision to partner with the state to develop its abundant potentials in the agricultural sub-sector.

The governor observed that the dearth of industries in the state was responsible for the low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index of the state as compared to other states of the federation and urged the company to help government achieve its dream of industrialization.

He said his government set up the Bayelsa State Development Company, with a view for it to supervising all the industries to be established in the state.

Dickson however called on DPP International, Denmark to also explore other areas it could collaborate with the state government, adding that  the state government would do everything possible to make the partnership successful. He said his state was eager to exploit all avenues to become a global player in various sectors of the economy. In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, DPP International, Denmark, Mr. Wolfgang Holz, explained that his company was experienced enough to provide a medium level technology through the establishment of the cassava farm and processing Plant, having undertaken similar assignments in South Asia and Brazil.

According to him, DPP had mapped out plans to establish farms that would be run professionally in the state, as well as develop better methods of farming noting that the environment is suited for the venture.

Bayelsa will be better.