The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has entered a strategic partnership with Agbeyewa Farms Limited to expand cassava cultivation in Ekiti State, aiming to transform Nigeria’s cassava sector from subsistence farming to industrial production.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Agbeyewa Farms will serve as the anchor operator for NALDA’s Cassava Farm Estate in the state. The agreement will see NALDA clear an additional 5,000 hectares of land, complementing the farm’s existing 3,000-hectare estate.
NALDA’s Executive Secretary described the initiative as a key part of the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aimed at boosting food security, job creation, and export earnings.
“This collaboration will not only increase cassava output but also position Nigeria to capture more value in global cassava markets,” he said.
Agbeyewa Farms will manage cultivation, aggregation, farm input financing, and mechanization, while NALDA provides the land, infrastructure, and technical support to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
The partnership is designed to capitalize on Nigeria’s status as the world’s largest cassava producer, responsible for about 65 million metric tonnes annually, while expanding participation in the global cassava market, valued at approximately $3.65 billion.
Agbeyewa Farms aims for yields of 35–40 tonnes per hectare, far above the national average of 6–8 tonnes, leveraging improved agronomic practices and mechanization. The expansion is expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs across farming, logistics, and processing sectors, boosting the local economy.
NALDA is pursuing similar partnerships in other states, including Delta and Kwara, as part of its broader strategy to scale up private-sector involvement and transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
