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The Federal Government has pledged its support for Agbeyewa Farms’ large-scale cassava farming initiative, recognizing it as a model for food security and economic empowerment in Nigeria.
During a working visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday, February 24, 2025, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, lauded the company’s remarkable strides in cassava cultivation and agro-processing. He described Agbeyewa’s efforts as a significant boost to Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with private sector players to strengthen the cassava value chain.
Kyari expressed his satisfaction with the scale of the farm’s operations, noting its rapid expansion in just two years. He emphasized that Agbeyewa’s work aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of achieving food security through large-scale agricultural investment. “I am impressed by what I have seen here today, considering that they did all this in two years. I see wealth creation… I see food security, which speaks to the President’s vision of renewed hope,” he stated.
He further underscored the importance of enhancing the cassava value chain, pointing out that Agbeyewa Farms’ integrated approach to cultivation and processing presents a viable solution to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports. “Cassava holds immense potential not just for food consumption but also for creating wealth through its many derivatives. We are committed to supporting innovative ventures like Agbeyewa Farms that prioritize both food availability and economic growth. The first step is to visit and assess, and we have done that. The next step is to see what we can do to partner and assist in enhancing the productivity of this laudable establishment,” he added.
Welcoming the minister and his delegation, Agbeyewa Farms’ Managing Director, Seyi Oskar Aiyeleso, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to advancing agricultural innovation and empowering local communities.
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He highlighted Agbeyewa’s remarkable progress, noting that the company had expanded its cassava cultivation from just over 102 hectares in 2022 to more than 1,500 hectares across four farm locations in Ekiti State. “At Agbeyewa Farms, we believe agriculture is a catalyst for economic transformation. Our goal is to reach 5,000 hectares of cassava plantation while empowering local farmers through our in-grower and out-grower initiatives,” he said.
Aiyeleso also spoke about the company’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ekiti State Government to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cassava, a project he described as a game-changer for rural development. “Through this initiative, we provide farmers with access to machinery, inputs, and guaranteed off-take agreements, ensuring they benefit directly from our growth,” he explained.
Beyond cultivation, Agbeyewa Farms is expanding its agro-processing capabilities, with a 26-hectare processing plant set to commence operations soon. According to Aiyeleso, the facility will produce high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, sugar, and ethanol, further enhancing the farm’s contribution to the cassava value chain.
Speaking on Agbeyewa’s strategic collaborations, the Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, Kabir Shagaya, emphasized the farm’s partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to improve cassava yield and quality. He noted that while the average cassava yield per hectare in Nigeria is six tonnes, Agbeyewa Farms produces up to 30 tonnes per hectare, a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
With its rapid expansion, commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, and strategic partnerships, Agbeyewa Farms is positioning itself as a leading force in Nigeria’s agro-allied sector. As the Federal Government continues to support initiatives that drive food security and economic growth, Agbeyewa Farms remains steadfast in its mission to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and empower local communities.
