
In a bid to boost agricultural investment and food processing in Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas has led a high-powered delegation to India.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Kefas emphasized that strengthening the local economy remains a top priority of his administration. He noted that the trip was made under the auspices of the African Development Bank’s Special Agro-Processing Zone initiative, known as SAPZ.
The Governor outlined that the focus areas for Taraba under the SAPZ project include rice production, other grains, and root and tuber crops — commodities already widely cultivated in the state.
In a statement shared on his social media platform, Governor Kefas explained that under the SAPZ financing model, investors are expected to contribute 85 percent of the funding, with the government providing 15 percent — a structure designed to guarantee the project’s sustainability.
Despite Taraba’s abundant agricultural output, the Governor pointed out that the state currently has limited processing infrastructure. He expressed optimism that Taraba will be selected for the SAPZ project, paving the way for the establishment of agro-processing companies across the state.
During the trip, the delegation visited leading agricultural and manufacturing firms, including AgTech Innovation Labs, Prasad Seeds Company, PAN Seeds Company, agro-confectionery manufacturers, a recycling paper factory, pharmaceutical plants, and China Railway No. 3 Engineering Group.