NIGERIA – Nigeria is nearing completion of the new coconut oil processing factory in Akwa Ibom State, Southern part of the country.

The facility known as Gabriel’s Coconut factory, is set to commence operations in September this year.

This was revealed by the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, while inspecting the installation of production lines at the factory.

According to the state government, the plant will have a processing capacity of 300,000 coconuts per shift, translated to an out-put of 66 tons in a day from three shifts of production.

To ensure the factory is run efficiently, the company will create 1300 direct job opportunities for the youths of the area and more than 3,000 indirect employment.

Mr Emmanuel indicated that the project will also provide an avenue for technology transfer from foreign experts to the locals who will be engaged at the factory, as some of the units installed have been sourced from both Asia and Europe.

To feed the plant, the state government is also in the process of re-activating the Akwa Palm estate and will also source some of the raw materials from the farming communities.

He further revealed that the production lines will be interchangeably utilized to also process palm kernel oil, as the region is rich with the commodity.

Chi Farms expands hatchery production

In other related news, a leading agribusiness company in the country Chi Farms Limited, is concluding the expansion of its hatchery production capacity located at Ajanla Farms, Ibadan.

The hatchery is being expanded from 36 million day-old-chicks per year to 44 million day-old-chicks yearly, reports This Day.

The Business Head, Poultry Marketing and Sales, Chi Farms, Dr. Ananda Raj, stated that the expansion was necessary to meet increasing production demands of day-old-chicks across the country.

“Expanding our operations will enable us have better control, supervision and most importantly sustain our quality standards while we meet the continuously growing demands from customers,” he said.

The expansion project which began in June 2020, is projected to be completed and inaugurated by August, 2021.

The Managing Director, Chi Farms, Dr. Tunji Olaitan, stated that there are plans for further expansions in the future.

According to him, “By next year, we will have additional compliment of 8 setters, thus increasing the operational capacity from 44 million Day-old- chicks per year to 52 million chicks.

“This is to respond adequately not only in terms of Day-old-chick volume but also delivering premium quality offerings to the Nigerian poultry industry.”

These strategic investments would ensure that Chi Farms remains the market leader with premium quality products and pacesetting in new technologies integration in the industry.

Some of the innovations in the pipeline for Chi Farms include infrared break treatment machine (PSP), which offers stress-free and precision de-beaking options with real time value add. In addition, they are accelerating housing modification projects and conversion of naturally ventilated poultry houses to environmentally controlled houses.

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