Tue. Dec 10th, 2024

Peace Chukwuma

In an effort to boost grain production, ThriveAgric, an agri-tech company in partnership with Mercy Corps has launched its first multipurpose grain cleaning and milling facility in Gombe.

The facility, part of the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), is designed to process 15-20 metric tonnes of grain, providing a significant boost to agricultural productivity, economic opportunities, and resilience for smallholder farmers (SHFs) and agri-SMEs across Northeast Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer, Uka Eje, said the facility marks a milestone for ThriveAgric as it addresses a critical challenge in the agricultural value chain: post-harvest losses.

“By equipping farmers to produce cleaner, higher-quality grains, we’re strengthening their position in premium markets and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the future,” he said.

He said the facility which will Serve over 7,000 SHFs, processes grains like rice, maize, and millet, removing impurities and meeting premium quality standards.

“With improved infrastructure, post-harvest losses—historically up to 40%—will significantly reduce, enabling Nigerian grain to compete locally and globally,” he noted.

Barnabas Malle, Gombe State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, representing Governor Alh. Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, commended the initiative’s potential to uplift the local agricultural economy.

“This facility not only empowers our farmers but also establishes Gombe as a center for high-quality grain production, fostering job creation and economic growth across the region,” he stated.

The representative of Mercy Corps, Shadrach Gideon, highlighted the partnership’s mission to support farmers and rural communities through the RRA initiative.

“This collaboration enables us to address both pre- and post-harvest needs, enhancing community resilience and ensuring farmers can reach their full potential despite challenges,” he said.

The new facility has created over 50 jobs locally and offers growth prospects for agri-SMEs, with a focus on empowering women and youth. This milestone demonstrates ThriveAgric and Mercy Corps’ commitment to building resilience and economic prosperity across Northeast Nigeria through impactful, innovative solutions,” he concluded

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