By Deborah Mdima Adekaa.
Taraku Mills Limited in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State has commenced test production with 300 metric tonnes of soybeans, as efforts intensify to restore local vegetable oil production at the factory.
The development is expected to create a ready market for farmers, stimulate economic activities and pave the way for the return of the factory to full-scale production.
The Plant Manager of Taraku Mills, Engineer James Terngu Ikyuve, disclosed this during the first phase of the test production exercise, explaining that the facility was currently processing the soybeans through purification, ahead of crushing, oil extraction and refining.
He said the factory was initially testing the production line at 50 metric tonnes per day, with plans to gradually increase output to its full capacity of 300 metric tonnes daily.
Ikyuve expressed optimism that the factory would begin supplying locally produced vegetable oil to consumers in Benue before the end of October.
The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, described the exercise as a major step in the state’s efforts to revive dormant industries and return them to productive use.
Asemakaha commended the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his commitment to the revival of moribund industries across the state.
He said the government was determined to transform dormant industrial assets into productive ventures capable of contributing to the state’s economy.
«“We must take charge of moribund industries. We are ensuring that the dead balance sheet has come back to life,” he said.»
According to him, the immediate objective was to ensure that Taraku Mills resumes production and that Benue residents can once again access vegetable oil produced within the state.
“Today’s exercise is done to ensure that our oil comes back before the end of this year, and I am assuring that the people of Benue will soon have the oil,” Asemakaha said.
He explained that the revival of the factory would also strengthen the agricultural value chain by creating a market for crops produced by farmers.
“Very soon our farmers will have value for their crops, as can be seen in the orange market,” he said.
The BIPC GMD added that the state government would continue to explore ways of reviving other dormant industries as part of efforts to promote employment and industrial development.
The Lead Consultant to Taraku Mills, Saleh Mansur, also commended the state government for its efforts towards restoring the factory.
Mansur expressed optimism that the ongoing process would eventually restore production of the “golden oil” for which Taraku Mills was previously known.
Also speaking, Iortuhwa Moses, a youth leader and worker at the factory, expressed appreciation to the state government for the revival initiative.
He said the return of Taraku Mills to production would provide employment opportunities while boosting economic activities within the host community and surrounding areas.