Makurdi: The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) is undertaking an ambitious initiative to nurture one million seedlings in nurseries for distribution to farmers across the country, aiming to significantly boost cashew production. Dr. Joseph Ajanaku, President of NCAN, highlighted this effort during a planting event involving 20,000 cashew seeds in Makurdi.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ajanaku, represented by Mr. Mohammed Kabir, NCAN’s National Financial Secretary, stated that the initiative is in collaboration with Beyond Farm Collection (BFC). The primary goal is to escalate annual cashew production from the current 580,000 metric tonnes to at least two million metric tonnes. Ajanaku emphasized that this target is feasible due to the availability of fertile land for large-scale cashew cultivation in 21 states across Nigeria.
The president further stressed the economic and employment opportunities that the Nigerian cashew sector holds, noting its potential to inject billions of dollars into the economy if adequately supported by stakeholders. He mentioned ongoing efforts, including a recent visit to Kogi where 20,000 seedlings were raised, and current activities in Benue. The initiative is a nationwide effort, not limited to a few states.
Ajanaku revealed that NCAN has successfully nurtured 300,000 seedlings in seven states: Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Edo, and Enugu, with work ongoing in Edo. The plan involves expanding to other states with conducive conditions for cashew farming.
Mrs. Bridget Yough, Benue NCAN Chairperson, commended the national leadership’s decision to include Benue in the initiative. She highlighted that last year, Benue produced approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of cashew, a figure she deemed low compared to the state’s potential. Emphasizing the need for quality seedlings, she underscored the demand for ‘Ogbomosho’ seedlings, known for their excellent export quality, and expressed gratitude for receiving them for the state’s farmers.
Yough described cashew as highly profitable, referring to them as ‘diamonds on trees.’ She explained that as cashew trees age, they become more valuable to farmers, with potential earnings of about ?1.8 million per metric tonne. Planting cashews on one hectare of land can generate at least four million naira annually.
Mr. James Ekele, State Secretary of NCAN, highlighted Benue’s vast forested lands and the national office’s role in empowering farmers to convert idle lands into productive ventures. He urged the government to support the initiative by investing in the sector, providing machinery to clear lands, and empowering farmers with access to more seedlings and inputs.
Ekele stressed that cashew farming could help address challenges such as insurgency by making lands productive and secure, urging the government to facilitate farmers’ access to resources needed for successful cultivation.
