The Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas, has led a high-powered delegation to India, where it met with investors to collaborate in agriculture and food production to boost the economy of the state.
The state's delegation was in India at the instance of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) project, for which Taraba State is actively working to qualify.
The visit is part of the process to attract investors. Under the SAPZ model, it is expected that investors will provide 85% of the required financing, while the government provides 15%, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project.
The team visited several agro-processing factories and held strategic sessions with the founders and owners of the facilities to present the Taraba SAPZ project. The team emphasized the opportunity for them to invest in Taraba State and leverage access to the wider agricultural market that the State offers.
The Governor of Taraba state expressed hope that the State will be selected for the establishment of the SAPZ. Once the project is approved, it will create opportunities for processing companies to be sited in the State.
This will, in turn, stimulate increased agricultural production and boost the State’s economy. Currently, Taraba has minimal processing activity despite its significant agricultural output.
According to the Governor, Taraba's top priorities under the SAPZ initiative are rice production, other grains, and root and tuber crops, all of which are already being cultivated extensively in Taraba State.
In preparation for this year's farming season, the Governor said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is currently planning to flag off the fertilizer distribution exercise and expedite the distribution of tractors procured by the government to support land preparation for the 2025 farming season.
During the Indian trip, the delegation visited and engaged with AgTech Innovation Labs, Prasad Seeds Company (Hyderabad), PAN Seeds Company, agro-confectionery companies specializing in value-added agricultural products, a recycling paper manufacturing factory, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and China Railway No. 3 Engineering (CREC3) Group Company Ltd.
China Railway No. 3 Engineering (CREC3) Group Company Ltd. is a state-owned construction company under the China Railway Engineering Group. It is recognized as one of the top 500 enterprises in the world.
They held meetings with investors and owners of these companies, as well as others involved in construction and solar energy. Almost all the companies expressed their readiness to visit Taraba State and participate in the upcoming Taraba Investment Summit, scheduled for May 21, 2025.
Dr. Dileepkumar Guntuku, who led the AgTech Innovation Labs engagement, also helped identify potential private sector partners, namely Prasad Seeds Private Limited, Mackson Group, OmSree Papertek Private Limited, Pan Seeds, and CREC3. These companies are being coordinated into a consortium to sign a Joint Venture Agreement with Taraba State in compliance with the AfDB SAPZ guidelines.
The delegation from Taraba State includes:
- H.E. Dr. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State
- The Speaker TRHA Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena
- Hon. Abubakar Tanko, House Committee Chairman on Agriculture and Food Security
- Hon. Zanau Hassan Maikasuwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security
- Mrs Sarah Sabo Ali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
- Hon. Sarah Enoch, Commissioner of Finance
- Hon. Naomi Tanko, Commissioner of Energy and Economic Development
- Ms. Maryam Moshood, Taraba SAPZ Project Consultant
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