From Lawal Sa’ idu Funtua, Katsina
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, yesterday laid foundation for the construction of N15 billion paddy rice processing company in Katsina State.
The company, Darma Rice Mills belongs to a Katsina State-born business mogul, who is the Chairman of Max Air and AFDIN Construction Company, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal.
The governor said that he was impressed by the Company Execute Director who explained that over 10,000 jobs would be created after the completion of the project.
He therefore urged wealthy individuals to complement governments efforts by making investments that will assist to create jobs and develop the country.
“Mangal has answered the call of Mr President to people to go back to farm, farming is our live and everything.
“Whoever is committed to such initiatives is making a sacrifice, only Allah knows the number of people who will benefit from the project.
“So, he is our party member and a friend, and we are proud of him for that effort.
“We should pray to the Almighty Allah to enable him complete the project,” he said.
The governor assured of the state government support to such initiatives aimed at moving the state forward.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the company, Alhaji Fahad Dahiru Mangal, said that the paddy rice processing company has the capacity to process 300,000 metric tons per annum.
“The company will process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour’ he added.
“It will have two lines of 150,000 per annum, with their own Captive Power Plant of 2MW each,” he said.
He said that the project, which was divided into two phases, was expected to be completed next year by first quarter.
According to him, the project would assist the country to reach domestic demand for high quality parboiled rice and attain self sufficiency in rice production.
He further said that would also assist to reduce poverty among the citizens.
“Once commissioned, the rice mill will provide not less than 10,000 jobs in the state, which will go a long way in boosting the local economy and engaging local farmers.
“The company will look into boosting local production of rice by providing produce off-taking platforms, thereby increasing the incomes of small holder farms in the state,” he said.
He also said that they would soon launch Gobarau Agro Allied fertilizers blending plant in Katsina.
He noted that those projects would greatly develop the state and assist in boosting agricultural activities in the country in general.
