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The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has marked a significant milestone with the commencement of juice production testing at the revitalized Benfruits Industry. This achievement, spearheaded by the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, signals a transformative step towards agricultural and economic growth in the region.
The successful test-run of the factory, located at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi, saw the production of the first batch of juice on Wednesday. Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, Group Managing Director of BIPC, expressed delight and commended Governor Alia for breathing new life into the company, which had been abandoned for many years. “Today is the happiest day of my life. This company was abandoned for many years, but we have revitalized it,” Dr. Asemakaha remarked.
The factory, with a capacity to produce four tons of juice per hour, is poised to end post-harvest losses and ensure better returns for farmers. Engr. Boager, the Lead Technician, highlighted that the project will maximize the value of orange production, addressing post-harvest challenges and guaranteeing improved farmer incomes.
A local farmer, Mr. Wilfred Gbatson, expressed gratitude to Governor Alia and the BIPC management for providing a ready market for their produce. “Before now, our oranges used to waste, but now we have a market. We will expand our farms to increase production,” he said. Dr. Asemakaha further revealed that the factory will also produce essential oil for pharmaceutical use and organic fertilizer from orange chaff, ensuring no part of the fruit goes to waste.
The initiative extends beyond juice production. The BIPC aims to ensure that once full-scale operations begin, no orange will leave the state unprocessed. This plant is designed to create jobs, increase farmers’ income, raise revenue, and boost the state’s GDP. The revitalization of Benfruits is one of several industrial revival projects initiated by the Alia administration to promote agro-industrial development and enhance the state’s economy.
Governor Alia’s administration has partnered with SONO Group, Lead Technician Engr. Henry Boager, management, and the BIPC staff for their relentless efforts to turn this production dream into reality. The milestone underscores a commitment to ensuring Benue farmers gain full value for their produce, setting the stage for a prosperous agricultural future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development as the Benfruits Industry prepares for full-scale operations!
