Commercialization

Brown Sugar Projects
Following the successful commissioning of the Kona Mada Brown Sugar Pilot Plant in 2004/2005, it was considered vital that the project be replicated in the sugarcane growing communities in the six geo-political zones of the country. Consequently, the Office through the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology contacted some state governments where sugar cane production thrives to indicate interest in the project. Subsequently, some states and communities indicated interest in the project. Among the states, the Ibaa community in Rivers State, Omor community in Anambra State and Dambo community in Kaduna State became foremost and plans were made for the establishment of pilot plants in the communities.
Some of the activities already carried out are as follows:
Construction of Factory Complex Contracts were awarded in October 2006 for the construction of Brown sugar Plants at three locations in 2007 viz:

Babbangida Zaria in Kaduna State
Omor Community in Anambra State
Ibaa Community in Rivers State

Fabrication of Machinery In Line with earlier plans to establish Brown sugar Project in the identified States, contracts were awarded for fabrication of Brown Sugar Machinery for the identified communities. The machineries are ready for installation and the projects are expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2007.
Modification of Kona Mada Project In order to conform with good manufacturing practice, the Office has awarded another contract for the modification of the Kona Mada Brown Sugar machinery. The job essentially entails replacing vital parts of the machines previously made of mild steel with stainless steel.
Stakeholders Meeting The Kona Mada Brown Sugar Project is at collaborative effort between NOTAP, RMRDC, FCT-ADP, NCRI and the Kona Mada Community. It is in essence a collaboration between four Government agencies and the sugarcane growing community. NOTAP carries along the other three Government agencies in the promotion of the Brown sugar technology from time to time.
Future Plans (a) It is planned that at least one Brown sugar Project will be established in each of the six Geopolitical zones of the country in 2007. With the completion of Omor, Babbangida and Ibaa Projects, the following zones would have been covered.