By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
European multinationals, SONO and PICAMA GROUP, have arrived at the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) to commence production at the Benval Juice and Benfruits factories.
Receiving the team at the corporate headquarters in Makurdi, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said the investors’ arrival marks a new era in the company’s efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and boost the state’s economy.
According to him, the investment in orange processing will create a stable market for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses by up to 80 percent, increase farmers’ income, improve livelihoods, and generate job opportunities for the state’s teeming youths.
Dr. Asemakaha added that the factories will enhance the overall efficiency of agricultural operations, contribute significantly to Benue’s economic growth, increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and retain more wealth within the state.
He assured that by the end of October, Benue oranges will no longer leave the state unprocessed.
“This partnership demonstrates the potential for collaboration and innovation in our agricultural sector, in line with the vision of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State,” he said.
The GMD urged farmers and the Orange Growers Association to work together to ensure the initiative’s success, adding that, “As from the end of October, no oranges will leave Benue State unprocessed, as we will offtake 100 percent.”
SONO Brazil Chairman, Luiz Arenac, appreciated the state government for the partnership, assuring that his team will work hard to deliver on the October target.
