Taraku Mills 75% ready, Benue farmers urged to boost soybean, groundnut, maize production

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Farmers in Benue State have been urged to increase the cultivation of soybeans, groundnuts and maize to guarantee adequate supply of raw materials to the Taraku Mills factory, which has attained about 75 per cent readiness for full-scale production.

A team of engineers from AL WADI AL AKHDAR OIL MILLS, Asher, Cairo, Egypt, made the call during an assessment of the factory as part of its partnership with the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) to revive the moribund facility.

The engineers said increased production of the crops had become necessary to ensure that the factory does not suffer shortages of raw materials when its machines become fully operational.

The Egyptian team, led by Saleh Mansury, conducted an on-site assessment of the facility alongside officials of BIPC’s Corporate Communications and Information Technology Unit.

During the inspection, the team examined major sections of the factory, including its equipment, production systems and operational processes, to determine the level of work required before full production could commence.

Following the assessment, Mansury expressed satisfaction with the condition of the facility, putting its readiness for full-scale production at approximately 75 per cent.

According to him, the remaining 25 per cent of work largely involves upgrades to some sections of the factory to bring its operations in line with modern production technology.

He identified the boiler and solvent machine as key areas requiring attention, saying their upgrade would improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Mansury said the team was prepared to commence full-scale production once the identified upgrades were completed.

He added that plans were also underway to introduce additional production lines, particularly for the production of cakes, as part of efforts to expand the factory’s output.

Also speaking after the inspection, Engr. James Emmanuel corroborated the team’s assessment, describing the factory as being in good condition and capable of operating effectively.

Emmanuel said the completion of the necessary upgrades, particularly to the boiler and solvent sections, would position Taraku Mills to commence production at full capacity.

The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts by the Benue State Government, through BIPC, to revitalise Taraku Mills, optimise its production capacity and determine the timeline for the commencement of full-scale operations.