By Michael Dibie
Cassava is one of the most important crops in Nigeria, playing a dominant role in the rural economy in the agro-ecological zones and is increasingly gaining importance in all other parts of the country.
At the Psaltry Cassava processing plant Ado Awaye, Oyo South-West Nigeria, raw materials are turned into finished products to meet international standard and reduce reliance on imported products.
Founder of the Cassava processing plant, Yemisi Iranloye also known as Nigeria Cassava queen says she was inspired by the passion to create a business that would transform small holders farmers to commercial farmers.
According to her, One experience that deeply moved her was when an elderly farmer travelled a long distance with a truckload of cassava, only for it to be rejected because it had spoiled during the journey. The pain, frustration, and tears on his face were unforgettable.
“So it was the passion to do something different, to build a business that will be at the center stage of a farming community to alliviate the poverty of the farmers,” she said.
The Cassava queen said their mission statement is to be the most preferred cassava processor plant in the world, transforming smallholder farmers into commercial farmers. The business which started in 2005 with about 17 farmers has grown over the years with 5 products from cassava.
To ensure the products meet international standards and reduce reliance on imports, Psaltry International take GMP and HACCP seriously and have invested in top-tier laboratories and certifications such as FSSC 22000.
“We have employed 360 but we have about 10000 farmers, we started with 17 farmers. In growing the number of farmers, we were assisted by lot of agencies like AGOA, IDH, and others, these agencies helped to mobilized farmers around here. the plan is to have 2 more high earn products from cassava”
Some Local farmers say they have benefited economically from its existence.
“Since the establishment of the company we are able to harvest up to 20-40 hectares. In the whole of Oyo state, we are able to sell our Cassava and it pays us. So we are appealing to the government to help so that the company can still continue to buy our produce.” Said Alhaji Busari Alayide, Community head.
“There are so many benefits the company has brought us, first the ability to sell our Cassava at whatever amount. So we don’t have to go through stress to sell our produce, ” Added Kehinde Alayide, a Farmer.
Despite the numerous challenges like inconsistent electricity and water scarcity that most entreasures in Nigeria face , the Cassava queen says they have built a resilient operation at Psaltry over the years. Relying on a combination of the national grid, backup generators, and boreholes to ensure uninterrupted production.
As one of the top cassava processing companies in the country, they have established a strong market for products and a commitment to quality, along with inclusive business model that supports smallholder farmers, has allowed them to maintain consistent growth.
Speaking on government intervention, Iranloye says over the last 10 years , the government of Oyo state has recognized their presence but noted that they didn’t benefit from the government in terms of infrastructure until this current administration.
“So the government of Oyo state has helped in making the environment conducive . So we enjoy a corporation not just for us but for the over 50 communities around the region who are mostly farmers,” she said.
Nigeria is currently the largest producer of cassava in the world with an annual output of over 34 million tonnes of tuberous roots