The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, has said the local production of tomato paste will boost the economy and reduce reliance on importation.
Abdullahi made this known during the foundation-laying ceremony of a tomato paste factory at Uke, Nasarawa State, saying the development of the project will stem the tide of rural-urban migration effectively and boost employment opportunities of residents in the state and the nation.
The minister expressed satisfaction that raw materials needed to feed the factory will be locally sourced, thereby creating wealth for farmers and ensuring that foreign exchange isn’t spent on the importation of raw materials.
While laying the foundation blocks for classrooms at the Pilot Primary School Uke, Abdullahi urged pupils of the school to show more interest in science subjects, as they could be the future science-based professionals the nation will need to accelerate her development.
Earlier in his remarks, the head of fabrication technology, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Engr. Joseph Otsai, said the tomato paste and juice-making factory, is equipped to produce 2 kg of tomato paste daily.
He further said that all raw materials needed to feed the factory will be sourced locally and promised that the factory will be completed in 36 weeks.
Responding to the minister earlier at Pilot Primary School Uke, Hon. Mohammed Bello (Uke-Karshi), appreciated the Federal Government for ensuring that a project of such magnitude is situated within the community and assured that the projects will be safe.
