Ilorin — Kwara State government is to export the first batch of 6,000 tonnes of cassava chips to China within, the government has said.

The statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, stated in part, "the Kwara State's emphasis on value chain management in agriculture has paid off as Ireti Farms, under the auspices of Shonga Farms Holdings, in partnership with Austravia of Australia, is to commence the exportation of cassava chips to China, with the first batch of 6,000 tonnes in the next two weeks.

Shonga Farms, in which Kwara has a 25 per cent stake, is also to coordinate the sourcing of additional cassava from outgrowers in the state.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Sam Popilko said there is more than a million tonnes per day requirement of cassava in China ready to be explored.