Michael Dibie
Cassava is one of the most important crops in Nigeria, playing a dominant role in the rural economy in the agro-ecological zones and is increasingly gaining importance in all parts of Nigeria.
According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA, report 2004), Benue and Kogi state in the North Central Zone are the largest producers of cassava. Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta dominate in cassava production in the South South. Ogun, Ondo and Oyo dominate in the South West and Enugu and Imo dominate production in the South East.
Interestingly, Nigeria is currently the largest producer of cassava in the world with an annual output of over 34 million tonnes. The crop is produced in 24 of the 36 states, and more importantly, some Nigerian farmers and business owners are taking good advantage of this and are making a mark in the sector.
One of such is Yemisi Oranloye, a committed woman based in Oyo state, who has overcome all challenges and difficulties associated with running a business in a rural area. According to her, she was inspired to start Psaltry International by a passion to create a business that will transform small holders farmers to commercial farmers.
At the Psaltry Cassava processing plant Ado Awaye, Oyo, South-West Nigeria, the crop is produced in large scale and this raw material is turned into finished products to meet international standard and reduce reliance on imported products.
The Cassava queen as she is mostly called says she was deeply moved when she met an elderly farmer who travelled a long distance with a truckload of cassava, only for it to be rejected because it had spoiled during the journey. “The pain, frustration, and tears on his face were unforgettable”.
“So it was the passion to do something different, to build a business that will be at the center stage of a farming community to alleviate the poverty of the farmers,” she said.
In a bid to provide a lasting solution for these farmers, she started a cassava processing company located close to the farmers to prevent such losses and create a more inclusive business model where farmers are at the centre.
“The farmers would receive training in good agronomic practices and be empowered with improved stem varieties to enable the cultivation of cassava for industrial purposes” she said.
Yemisi said her mission statement is to be the most preferred cassava processor plant in the world, transforming smallholder farmers into commercial farmers. The business which started in 2005 with about 17 farmers has grown over the years with 5 products from cassava.
To ensure the products meet international standards and reduce reliance on imports, Psaltry International takes GMP and HACCP seriously and has invested in top-tier laboratories and certifications such as FSSC 22000.
Lorry-load casava going to be delivered for sale(Photo: Michael Dibie)
Additionally, Psaltry recently commissioned Africa’s first cassava-based sorbitol factory, further reducing the need for imported products.
Yemisi Aranloye(Photo credit: mike dubie)
“We have employed 360 but we have about 10000 farmers, we started with 17 farmers. In growing the number of farmers, we were assisted by a lot of agencies like AGOA, IDH, and others, these agencies helped to mobilize farmers around here. the plan is to have two more high earn products from cassava”
Some Local farmers at the village where the cassava plant is located say they have benefited economically from its existence.
“Since the establishment of the company we are able to harvest up to 20-40 hectares. In the whole of Oyo state, we are able to sell our Cassava and it pays us. So we are appealing to the government to help so that the company can still continue to buy our produce.” Said Alhaji Busari Alayide, Community head.
“There are so many benefits the company has brought us, first the ability to sell our Cassava at whatever amount. So we don’t have to go through stress to sell our produce,” added Kehinde Alayide, a Farmer.
Despite the numerous challenges like inconsistent electricity and water scarcity that most entreasures in Nigeria face , the Cassava queen says they have built a resilient operation at Psaltry over the years. Relying on a combination of the national grid, backup generators, and boreholes to ensure uninterrupted production.
“I had to relocate to a rural area without electricity or clean drinking water. However, my vision served as my anchor and motivation. I overcame the challenges through patience, resilience, and persistence,” she said.
As one of the top cassava processing companies in the country, they have established a strong market for products and a commitment to quality, along with an inclusive business model that supports smallholder farmers, allowing them to maintain consistent growth.
Aside from buying raw Cassava crops from farmers and turning it into finished products, she and her team also provide training on good agronomic practices and supply improved cassava varieties, fertilizers, and herbicides. At the same time, promoting infrastructural development by facilitating access to electricity and clean water.
Speaking on government intervention, Yemisi says over the last Ten years , the government of Oyo state has recognized their presence but noted that they didn’t benefit from the government in terms of infrastructure until the current administration.
“So the government of Oyo state has helped in making the environment conducive. So we enjoy a corporation not just for us but for the over 50 communities around the region who are mostly farmers,” she said.
As one of the top cassava processing companies in the country, Psaltry has established a strong market for their products. Their commitment to quality, along with an inclusive business model that supports smallholder farmers, has allowed the plant to maintain consistent growth.
“By addressing challenges head-on and focusing on efficiency, we’ve turned obstacles into opportunities for sustainable growth,”
Originally a South American crop, Cassava was introduced into Nigeria during the slave trade by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The crop got a boost in the 19th century when formerly enslaved Nigerians returned to their home land and introduced the techniques
