By Queen Kunde
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has urged orange farmers across the state to stop selling and transporting their oranges outside Benue, warning that the practice could frustrate the state’s drive to industrialize and create more jobs.
The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said the continuous movement of raw oranges out of the state is threatening the steady supply of fruit needed by the Bensono Concentrate Factory and other citrus processing plants established by the Benue State Government.
According to him, Benue has invested heavily in citrus processing and must now focus on adding value to its agricultural produce instead of exporting it in its raw form.
“The era of exporting our wealth in its raw form is over,” Dr. Asemakaha said. “Our goal is to create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes and build a strong industrial economy. Every orange processed in Benue creates opportunities for our people and boosts the state’s economy.”
He assured farmers that they have a ready market for their oranges and encouraged them to supply directly to the Bensono Concentrate Factory, where they will receive competitive prices.
The BIPC boss also appealed to traditional rulers, local government authorities, security agencies and community leaders to support efforts aimed at ensuring that oranges produced in the state are processed locally.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the industrialization vision of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, saying the administration remains determined to ensure that Benue’s rich agricultural resources are processed within the state to create wealth, generate employment and drive economic growth.