News in Brief:
-Norsworthy Farms opened a new 10-tonne/hour palm oil mill in Delta State, aiming to address Nigeria’s production deficit and participate in the global market.
-Their project involves extensive plantations, a refinery, and empowering local farmers through an out-grower scheme, drawing praise from state officials for its potential to alleviate poverty and create jobs.
In a bid to revitalise Nigeria’s palm oil industry, Norsworthy Farms and Agro Allied Industries Limited officially launched a new 10-metric-tonne per hour palm oil mill in Akwukwu, Igbo, Delta State.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Delta State Governor Sherriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, underscored the growing commitment of private entities to address Nigeria’s significant palm oil deficit.
Chairman of Norsworthy Farms, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, stressed the importance of the project. Ogechie said the farm has marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s palm oil industry with the inauguration of this cutting-edge mill.
Furthermore, recognising the efforts of industry leaders like PZ Wilmar, Presco Plc, Okomu Plc, and JB Farms, Ogbechie outlined Norsworthy Farms’ ambitious multi-phase expansion plan.
Empowering local communities: Norsworthy Farms’ out-grower scheme
Explaining further, he said the plan encompasses establishing extensive 10,000-hectare oil palm plantations, a 10-metric-tonne per hour processing mill, and a vegetable oil refinery.
Notably, the project already secured 1,400 hectares from the Iyiocha Forest Reserve through collaboration with the Delta State government. This represents a 10% equity stake in the company, for the state government.
Additionally, Norsworthy Farms plans to distribute this equity stake to local communities involved in the project. It has an out-grower scheme aimed at empowering local farmers by providing them with seedlings and technical support, fostering their participation and reaping benefits from the project’s success.
Both former Governor Okowa and Governor Oborevwori commended the initiative, highlighting its potential to alleviate poverty and hunger, create jobs, and provide affordable palm oil within Delta State and across Nigeria.
