Ajrena Foods has officially launched its state-of-the-art peanut cleaning and coated snack processing factory in Kano, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
The initiative is a result of a strategic partnership with PROPCOM+, an eight-year, climate-smart rural agriculture programme funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
This collaboration aims to support local farmers through the provision of improved seeds, technical training, and value chain development.
The goal is to enhance agricultural productivity and facilitate the transformation of raw commodities into high-quality food products.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Dan Juma Mahmoud, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing the groundnut sector under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Represented by the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) Coordinator, the Commissioner revealed that the initiative is part of the broader SAPZ programme, which includes:
The establishment of an Agricultural Transformation Centre (ATC) in Dawanau, Dawakin Tofa LGA as well as the construction of a modern Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Bagauda, Bebeji LGA, for processing groundnut, rice, tomato, and sesame.
He stated that, to ensure consistent demand and uptake of agricultural produce, the programme is focused on attracting private sector agribusinesses to set up processing plants in zones of high food production.
The commissioner also spoke passionately about Kano’s aspiration to reclaim its status as an industrial and agricultural hub, referencing the legendary groundnut pyramids of the 1960s and 1970s as a symbol of past prosperity and future potential
Mr. Ajay Ramnani, Executive Director of Ajrena Foods Ltd, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the FCDO and its implementing partner, PROPCOM+, for their unwavering support.
“In 2024, we launched our first outgrower scheme with the support of PROPCOM+, training over 1,000 farmers primarily women and youth in best agricultural practices, providing quality inputs, and introducing traceability systems from farm to factory,” Ramnani said.
He emphasized that the newly commissioned factory is fully equipped with advanced machinery dedicated to cleaning peanuts and producing Nutzy-coated snacks.
“Every square meter of this facility is a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets support,” he added. “Thanks to the FCDO’s generous grant, we have created a world-class processing plant that not only meets global standards but also uplifts rural livelihoods.”
In his remarks the Food and Agriculture Advisor British High Commission, who doubles as the SRO Propcom+ Mr Nicholas Baynham, stated that the establishment of the peanut processing factory in Kano will boost small scale and medium enterprises SMEs.
He congratulated Ajrena foods, and urged others to emulate the initiative for the development of the food and Agriculture sector.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the project,the Team Lead of Propcom+ and Political Director, Dr. Adiya Ode noted that local groundnut farmers are now fully integrated into Ajrena’s supply chain.
“This is a true partnership. Propcom+ provided critical grant support, while Ajrena contributed resources and expertise. Together, we’ve developed a robust supply network where farmers directly benefit from this investment,” she said.