The Savelugu Rice Processing Factory under the flagship One District One Factory initiative has inaugurated to commence full operations.
The facility was established with funding support through the Common User Facility (CUF) initiative with the capacity to produce about 1.5 to 2.8 tonnes of processed rice per hour.
The processing plant installed included a modern parboiling, milling and packaging plants, standby generator and a mechanized borehole to supply water to the factory.
The Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, commissioned the factory after test run to formally commence operations.
In his remarks, the Minister said, “We’re also today commissioning the first Technology Solution Center here in the Savelugu Municipality. This Technology Solution Center which is located next to the factory will provide an opportunity for every part or component of the machines that requires repair to be repaired right here – it means that if any component part of the machinery is damaged, you don’t need to go to Accra or Kumasi, you don’t need to import it from abroad, that particular part would be produced right here in the next door.”
He added the government would also intend to attach a business resource center to the factory to help the farmers to be able to raise loans and other credit facilities to expand their farms and other allied businesses.
According to Mr. Kyeremanten, there are about eight or nine different factors which make this project very special and pointed out in the whole country, it is only Savelugu that has a processing mill that has a technology solution center all combined in one.
Economic gains
The Trade Minister said the establishment of the factory will enhance industrial production of rice in the municipality, adding so many other products such as bear and other beverages can be produced from the processing of rice.
“This is a perfect example of community ownership of business because this factory is owned by almost 700 farmers; 70 per cent is owned by 730 farmers, 10 per cent is owned by the traditional authority, 10 per cent by the district assembly and the remaining 10 per cent by government” he explained.
He stated this is new model for business development in the country which allows the people to own their own businesses but also announced the factory would be handled by professionals to ensure efficiency and productivity to maximize profit.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, for his part noted the two projects will be the catalyst to bring development to the people.
He underscored the significance of the factory to propel agribusiness in the area since agriculture is the main occupation of majority of the people.
He added this will create job opportunities to youth within the value-chain and maintained no progress or development can made in the region without a particular attention to agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the Trade Minister also swore into office a 9-member Board of Directors with the responsibility to ensure proper management of the factory.
