Cassava growers to set up ethanol factories in 10 states

In an effort to broaden the cassava value chain, the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), an umbrella body of cassava growers in Nigeria, says it has plans to establish ethanol factories in 10 states of the federation.

Sylvanus Irondi, national secretary, NCGA, who revealed this Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, at a gathering of cassava farmers in Edo State, an annual event, also said the ethanol project had commenced in Ekiti State.

Cassava can trigger massive industrial revolution in Nigeria, as it has in other countries of the world, and can employ millions of unemployed Nigerian youths, if well harnessed, Irondi observed.

According to Irondi, the importance of cassava starch cannot be over-emphasized, however, we know that industrial starch plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical world. Also, in the production of baby food, glue and adhesives, oil drilling, among other items.

“We are also aware of the current biotechnological advancement in cassava starch hydrolysis, either by acid, enzyme or micro-organisms for ethanol production, usually used as industrial solvent, beverages in the production of whisky, brandy, dry gin, wine, beer, fuel, hybrid petrol, smokeless fuel and cooking gas, among other items.

“These are the untapped opportunities that we want harness and help our farmers to see reasons why they should not give up in farming business,” Irondi said.

The NCGA fights for the interest of its members and defend their rights, he said, stating that the association in 2013 to 2015 secured loans for members, which Edo State benefited from.

“Presently, we are making serious arrangement for the establishment of ethanol factories in about 10 states within the country. This may as well benefit Edo, if they can provide the required land size,” he said.

He commended Donatus Imaghodor, director/CEO of Lentus Foods and Agro Limited, organiser of the forum for the initiative.

Imaghodor has shown great concern for the interest of cassava farmers generally, but especially in Edo State, more than any other processor, according to him. “Year after year, he has always planned for the interest of farmers and endeavoured to carry them along,” he said.

The “gathering of cassava farmers in Edo” is an annual event organised by Lentus Ventures and Agro Limited, a foremost cassava-processing firm based in Edo State. The theme of this year’s forum was “Untapped opportunities in cassava value chain.”