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By Olivia Obijiaku
A Modern Rice Mill Factory was commissioned for the Catholic Diocese of Zaria by the Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Julius Yakubu Kundi on behalf of Most Rev Dr. George Jonathan Dodo. At the event which took place in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Centre Graceland, Zaria on Thursday, 28th April, 2022, the Director of the Farm, Very Rev Fr. Michael Kagarko gave an insight on the developmental stages of the venture alongside its challenges thereby soliciting assistance from governmental and nongovernmental agencies, groups and individuals.
“From a rudiment rice mill process for three good years, CATHDIZA Integrated Farms Nig. Ltd. ha
s transformed into the use of modern milling machines.” The director revealed. “However, our milling recently suffered a setback arising from the demolition due to the controversies surrounding the occupants of the land annex to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). To rebound from the setback, CATHDIZA Integrated Farms Nig. Ltd. has accessed some loans from Missio Invest in America and rebuilt the factory with even more up to date machinery. The factory in its current form has a production capacity of 50 tons per day and 1,250 tons in a year.”
“It is in the new form of the rice milling factory that the former commissioning has been scheduled for today, 28th April, 2022. CATHDIZA Integrated Farms Nig. Ltd. is registered and/or associated with Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for her trademarks and designs and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and approved for rice processing and packaging. We intend to engage more relevant institutions and organizations that have to do with raw materials and food production, processing and supplies.”
In order to adequately achieve our vision and mission of minimizing poverty and food insecurity in Zaria and its environs and train, employ and empower the less privileged we still need a Digital Scaling and Sealing Machine; a Parboiling Machine; Delivery Vans as well as print Standard Packing Bags all of which amount to sixty three million Naira (₦63,000.000.00) only.”
Expressing his gratitude to their key customers/partners such as St Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Zaria; Prince & Co. Ltd. Lagos; Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna; Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan; Police Cooperative Kubwa, Abuja among others, Fr Kagarko called on the Kaduna State Government; Bank of Industry; Bank of Agriculture; donor agencies; NGOs and individuals to support CATHDIZA Farms to achieve its goals.