Adamu Musa, the chairman of the Association of Sugarcane Dealers in Bauchi, estimated sugarcane sold between September 2023 and February 2024 will be worth N700 million.

Mr Musa said this in an interview on Monday in Bauchi. He said the sugarcane market takes goods worth N5 million daily, supplied by various local government councils and states.

Mr Musa said the harvest season for sugarcane commenced from September to February annually.

“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 of the goods are 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 the management introduced the incinerator system for disposing of waste to curb air pollution and other hazards to residents.

He said researchers and investors visit the market to collate end products for their work.

Mr 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 the Bauchi government to assist the market in its various infrastructure developments, which would diversify the state economy and generate revenue.

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)