Benue: Taraku Mills begins test production, takes delivery of 300 soyabean tonnes

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Taraku Mills Limited on Saturday commenced test-run production in Benue state after receiving eight trucks containing 300 tonnes of soyabean following extensive rehabilitation of the facility.

The development marks a major step in the state’s efforts to revive agro-industrial activities under Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Speaking after monitoring the test-run production, the Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Raymond Asemakaha, said the company had deliberately revitalised the factory, which had been dormant for years, to commence production of Golden Soya Oil.

Asemakaha said the revival would provide a ready market for soybean and grain farmers while creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents.

He urged farmers and producers of soybean, maize and other raw materials to increase production, assuring them that BIPC was ready to provide off-take opportunities.

The GMD said, “Those factories must work deliberately for the benefit of our people,” adding that the state-owned enterprises were expected to operate on a model that prioritised productivity and results.

Plant Manager, Engr. James Tergu Ikuve, said the facility had an installed capacity of 200 tonnes per day but would begin at 50 tonnes daily because the equipment had been idle for several years.

Ikuve said purification had commenced following the delivery of the soyabean, while crushing would begin within two days before the refining process starts.

He assured that Golden Soya Oil would be available in the market before the end of October, adding that the facility had adequate manpower to sustain production.

The youth leader of Taraku community, Comrade Iortuhwa Richard, commended Governor Alia for reviving the factory, saying, “We encountered some challenges but we tried our best to overcome them and today, the factory has commenced production.”