Epoch Agriculture, a Chinese agro-tech company is to invest $1 billion to set up an agro processing industrial park in Tanzania with focus on Cassava Processing.

The pact is between the Chinese firm and Tanzania Agricultural Export Processing Zone Limited (TAEPZ) which has already secured market for up to 2 million tonnes of dry cassava every year.

Dior Feng, top official with Epoch Agriculture, said the envisioned park will house several processing plants to produce various cassava products.
“We plan on investing in the production of paper pulp flour, animal feed, starch and organic fertilizer. It is later expected to expand production to industrial sugar and ethanol,” she told press.

According to the Executive Director of Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) Mr. Godfrey Simbeye, TAEPZ expects to increase production by 5 per cent the following year and expand production every subsequent year after that.

The deal presents unprecedented market for Tanzanian cassava growers who at the moment produce in excess of 5 million tonnes of cassava every year.

He was confident that every year, TAEPZ will be able to purchase 2.5 million tonnes, which is almost half of the entire country’s production assuring farmers of a reliable and growing market.

“We are excited about this deal, it’s what our farmers and our economy needs, we are quickly becoming a semi industrialized country led by agro-production…so we will fast track establishment of the park and ensure production and output commence soonest possible,” said the TPSF Executive Director.

He reassured all stakeholders of due diligence and that a comprehensive assessment was conducted to ensure that production will be up to international standards.

Cassava: Tanzania’s White Gold
Cassava is the most important tropical root crop. Its starchy roots are a major source of dietary energy for more than 500 million people. It is known to be the highest producer of carbohydrates among staple crops.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), cassava ranks fourth as a food crop in the developing countries, after rice, maize and wheat.

The leaves are relatively rich in protein and can be consumed. Cassava can be stored in the ground for several seasons, thereby serving as a reserve food when other crops fail.

Cassava is also increasingly used as an animal feed and in the manufacture of different industrial products. It is also used in industrial processes.
http://armi.com.ng/cassavathe-white-gold-for-nigeria-and-africa-continent/


According to FAO estimates, 172 million tonnes of cassava was produced worldwide in 2000. Africa accounted for 54%, Asia for 28%, and Latin America and the Caribbean for 19% of the total world production. In 1999, Nigeria produced 33 million tonnes, making it the world ’s largest producer.

A total of 16.8 million hectares was planted with cassava throughout the world in 2000; about 64% of which was in sub-Saharan Africa.