In a bid to tackle recurrent pest infestation and diseases outbreak in crop production, Springfield Agro has launched a $12 million (N18.7 billion) agro chemical plant in Oguin State.
The agrochemical plant, located in Sagamu, is also expected to drive agricultural productivity and economic growth while reducing dependence on imported agrochemicals.
Narain Chanrai, chairman of Kewalram Chanrai Group, at the commissioning of the plant Wednesday, said the facility can produce about 20 million litres of herbicides and insecticides annually which will help farmers tackle pest infestation.
“We have invested so far $12 million in the plant. In phase two, there will be further expansions to meet Nigerian farmers’ growing demands and requirements.”
Chanrai said the well-being of Nigerian farmers is at the core of what the company stands for. “We aim to export a substantial part of this production to other African countries,” he added.
Pest infestation is a common occurrence in the agricultural value chain. In the last five years, ginger and tomato farmers have lost their crops owing to pest infestation ravaging their farmlands.
Charai noted that the facility will bridge the import gap of agrochemicals in the country, encourage local production and support food production.
On his part, Kashim Shettima, vice president of Nigeria, represented by Aliyu Abdullahi, minister of State for Agriculture reiterated that the federal government plans to boost food production and support the initiative of Springfield.
Read also: Nigeria seeks to boost food security through new fertiliser initiative
“The guarantee of food security in Nigeria lies in our ability to expand industrial capacity across the value chain. We cannot achieve this unless the robust committees we roll out as a government are complemented by the ambition and commitment of the private sector,” he stated.
According to the vice president, the commissioning of the agrochemical plans aligns perfectly with the federal government’s agenda to combat hunger and enhance national food security.
“As a continent blessed with vast arable land and the potential to be the food basket of the world, it is lamentable that Africa’s share of global manufacturing is less than two percent.”
To ensure the facility’s adherence to health standards, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted a comprehensive pre-production inspection assessing various quality systems and found the facility to comply with regulatory requirements.
“Our mandate extended to the regulation and oversight of agrochemical production, ensuring that facilities such as this meet the highest standards of good manufacturing practices, said Rametu Momodu, director of Veterinary Medicines and Allied Products at NAFDAC.
Additionally, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, deputy governor of Ogun State, who represented Dapo Abiodun, governor of the state highlighted that the facility will create over 300 jobs foremostly for indigenes and help to boost food security.
According to her, agriculture is a critical component of economic development strategy in the state.
She noted that by improving inputs, mechanisation and extension services, the state government has positioned Ogun to drive higher agricultural productivity, reduce the cost of stable foods and achieve food security.
The event brought together dignitaries from all over the state and country.
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