BIPC Commences Juice Production Test-Run at Revitalized Benfruits Industry

BIPC Commences Juice Production Test-Run at Revitalized Benfruits Industry

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has begun testing juice production at the Benfruits Industry, recently revitalized by the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

The milestone was achieved on Wednesday during a successful test-run at the factory located in the Industrial Layout, Makurdi, where the first batch of juice was produced.

Speaking after tasting the first production, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, expressed immense joy and commended Governor Alia for reviving the company after years of neglect.

“Today is the happiest day of my life. This company was abandoned for many years, but we have revitalized it,” Dr. Asemakaha stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Benue farmers derive maximum value from their produce, emphasizing that once full-scale operations commence, no orange will leave the state unprocessed.

“We want our farmers to have value for their oranges and for every farm produce in the state. This plant will address post-harvest losses, create jobs, increase farmers’ income, raise revenue and boost the state’s GDP,” he added.

Dr. Asemakaha also revealed that the factory would produce essential oil for pharmaceutical use and organic fertilizer from the orange chaff, ensuring zero waste in the production process.

He appreciated the company’s partners—SONO Group, Lead Technician Engr. Henry Boager, and the management and staff of BIPC—for their collective efforts in making the production dream a reality.

Engr. Boager, the Lead Technician, disclosed that the factory has the capacity to produce four tons of juice per hour, describing the project as a major step toward reducing post-harvest losses and guaranteeing farmers better returns.

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A local farmer, Mr. Wilfred Gbatsoron, lauded Governor Alia and the BIPC management for creating a sustainable market for farmers’ produce.

“Before now, our oranges used to waste, but now we have a market. We will expand our farms to increase production,” he said.

The revitalization of Benfruits Industry is among several industrial revival projects initiated by the Alia administration to drive agro-industrial development and strengthen the state’s economy.