The United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UniCem) has reportedly launched a Community Business Enhancement Initiative tagged ‘Cassava Cluster Scheme’.
The initiative which will complement the small holding farming, is part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities of the organisation, aimed at contributing to the socio-economic growth of its host communities and the economy of Cross River State, Nigeria.
The scheme aims to equip participants with agricultural best practices, in line with international standards, which will lead to the use of modern technologies for high yield, quality assurance, improved processing methods and information on market linkages and export.
Agriculture has huge economic development potentials and is a key revenue earner. It is believed that the programme is expedient now that Nigeria looks to diversify her economy from oil. Many members of the communities will receive training through the initiative that will equip them to go into cassava cultivation, processing and marketing, and become gainfully employed while contributing to Gross Domestic Product through value addition.
Additionally, there is an integrated waste management plan in place to recycle bio-wastes from cassava processing into resourceful raw materials for the production of organic fertiliser that will complement the field supplies for the out-growers as part of the value chain.
The two-day workshop which is in partnership with the Notragolio Nigeria Limited, aims to prepare the host community leaders and their cooperative societies for the scheme.
