Group Managing Director Taraku Mills Raymond Asemakaha has expressed confidence that the facility will soon resume operations. The GMD said that foreign technicians working on critical aspects of the rehabilitation process have almost completed work on the facility and should resume the phase of production within two months. According to him, Taraku Mills, a major agro-industrial processing plant that has been moribund since 2013, will resume processing of soybeans, maize, beniseed, and cassava, noting that the plant is also expected to produce edible oil, Beer Grit for the Food Basket Brewery, animal feed, and industrial raw materials once operational. He urged farmers across the State to increase the cultivation of soybeans to ensure adequate raw materials for the mill. Technicians working at the factory express optimism at the condition of the facility, noting that despite years of inactivity, most of the plant's components remain intact and in good condition. further disclosing that the company would test run the first plant next month. ... AS BENSONO MOVES TO END FUIT WASTE IN BENUE STATE In a related development, Bensono, a subsidiary of BIPC has commenced the procurement of Ibadan sweet and Valencia species of oranges, and invites farmers across the state to supply the commodities in large quantity. The company noted that it is ready to buy at prices that ensure high profit margins for farmers. A press release by the company dated July 2, 2026, said, 'The Bensono Fruits processing Company Limited, has announced the commencement of orange procurement to support its agro-processing operations. Vendors and registered farmers are invited to supply 100kg bags of fresh, mature IBADAN SWEET or VALENCIA oranges at the following rates: 1. Farm Gate Price: ₦8,500 per 100kg Benue bag 2. Factory Supply Price: ₦11,800 per 100kg Benue bag.' The release however pointed out that only good quality oranges will be purchased from 'registered vendors' who are required to 'adhere strictly to the quality standard. Fruits that are unripe, over ripe, or defective will be rejected at the point of delivery', it noted, adding that 'Interested and already registered vendors should contact the company.' Located at the Industrial Layout, Naka Road, Makurdi, Bensono's procurement drive is part of BIPC’s commitment to strengthen the fruit value chain, guarantee market access for Benue farmers, and ensure steady supply for factory operations. The development brings back fond memories of Yuteco, a fruit juice production company which operated in Gboko in the 1990s. Observers note that Bensono's initiative is capable of stopping rural-urban drift among youth as well as ending unemployment among rural dwellers.

Posted: 1month ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 14 August 2026