From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Benue Fruit Juice industry on Wednesday carried out a test run of production of Juice for the public.
The company which is located at the Industrial layout along Naka road in Makurdi, the State capital, has been moribund for a long time.
It could be recalled that in August, the State government through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited engaged Sono company, experts in Juice Production in the world, to revive the industry.
At the handover of the company to Sono who are expected to run it for 15 years, the Group Managing Director, BIPC Dr Raymond Asemakaha had set a target of October for commencement of production.
Speaking with newsmen at the company during the test production, Asemakaha said, “what we want to do is to ensure our farmers have value for their oranges. We want to show the world that Benue can do it and that the State is on the rise.
“And this is why we brought in Sono who are the best in the world. This will employ hundreds our teeming youths and grow our economy especially our IGR and the oil extract will be exported while the chaff will be used for organic fertilizer.
“This is just the test run. When we get the working capital, we will do what has never been done in the whole country. We are working the magic”.
Project Engineer Henry Boager said post harvest losses will be minimized and farmers will get real value for their produce.
He also, said the bye product(oil) will be used for pharmaceuticals and the waste will be used for manual and other organic purposes.
Several persons thronged the company to have a taste of the juice.
