UniCem launches Cassava Cluster Scheme

The United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UniCem) has launched a Community Business Enhancement Initiative tagged ‘Cassava Cluster Scheme’.

The initiative will complement the small holding farming, and is part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities of the organisation, aimed at contributing to the socio-economic growth of its host communities and the economy of Cross River State, Nigeria.

The scheme aims toe quip participants with agricultural best practices, in line with international standards, which will culminate in the use of modern technologies for high yield, quality assurance, improved processing methods, information on market linkages and export.

Agriculture has huge economic development potentials and is a key revenue earner. It is believed that the programme is expedient now that Nigeria looks to diversify her economy from oil. Many members of the communities will receive training through the initiative that will equip them to go into cassava cultivation, processing and marketing, and become gainfully employed while contributing to Gross Domestic Product through value addition.

Additionally, there is an integrated waste management plan in place to recycle bio-wastes from cassava processing into resourceful raw materials for the production of organic fertiliser that will complement the field supplies for the out-growers as part of the value chain.

The two-day workshop is organised by UniCem in partnership with the Notragolio Nigeria Limited, and aims to prepare the host community leaders and their cooperative societies for the scheme. Three LGAs are being focused on, on a pilot basis: Akpabuyo, Akamkpa and Calabar Municipality.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/04022016/unicem-launches-cassava-cluster-scheme-444/