Mr Adamu Musa, Chairman, Association of Sugarcane Dealers in Bauchi State, has said that the sugarcane to be sold between September 2023 and February 2024 is estimated to be worth N700 million.
Musa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Bauchi.
According to him, the Sugarcane market take goods worth N5m daily which are supplied from various local government councils and states in the country.
Musa said that the harvest season for sugarcane commenced from September to February annually.
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He further explained that farming activities were conducted within 10 months, commencing with bush clearing to harvesting.
“The market empowers more than 5000 people ranging from the dealers to traders.
“Over 2000 people are known to cut sugarcane for retailers, while others are either involved in sanitation activities, or hiring wheelbarrows among others.
“The major suppliers of sugarcane in Bauchi are mostly in Bauchi, Alkaleri and Kirfi local government areas.
“We get supplies mostly from Bauchi, Alkaleri and Kirfi, Tafawa Balewa, Darazo, Giade, Ganjuwa and Zaki local government areas,” he explained.
Speaking of the refuse dump, the chairman said that the management introduced the incinerator system of disposing waste to curb air pollution and other hazards to residents.
He said that researchers and investors visit the market to collate end products for their various work.
Musa explained that local producers of mattresses and pillows also get their resources from the daily market.
“We have people who produce local mattresses and pillows and those who are into research trying to produce animal feeds and other products coming to get the sugarcane peels and other end products. And some for their seedlings in preparation for next farming activities,” he added.
The chairman acknowledged the support of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency and the revenue authorities for the harmonious working relationship.
He called on Bauchi State Government to assist the market in its various infrastructure development, which would contribute in diversifying the state economy and revenue generation.
He also appealed to the state government to consider the market in its palliative and other intervention programmes, to reduce the economic challenges experienced as a result of fuel subsidy removal. (NAN)
