Cassava and Rice Processing Cluster Takes Shape at Itoikin

A processing cluster for cassava and rice has begun operating at Itoikin, giving farm cooperatives in the Epe hinterland milling and drying capacity near the fields.

Farmers previously sold raw produce at farmgate prices to buyers who carried it to processors in Ikorodu and Ogun State.

Cooperative officials say the cluster's value depends on the Ikorodu–Epe road, which determines whether processed output reaches Lagos markets on schedule.

The state agriculture ministry is running an aggregation scheme to pool cooperative output for larger buyers.