Kogi takes lead in cashew production with N14bn annually

Stephen Ahiaba, Kogi State chairman of the National Cashew Association Nigeria (NCAN), has said that with the state current production capacity of 55,000 metric tons of cashew nuts, the confluence state has taken the lead as the largest cashew-producing state in the country.

Ahiaba, who doubles as the managing director/CEO of St. Ahiaba Global Resources Limited, disclosed that it is estimated that the state can generate revenue of over N14 billion each farming season on the production of cashew.

According to him, in 2015, the product of cashew nuts from Nigeria as a whole at the international market stood at 150,000 metric tons, with 50,000 metric tons coming from Kogi State alone.

He pointed out that this development has put Kogi State on the world map of the largest cashew producing state. He also disclosed that cashew business is lucrative in the state, stressing that in 2015, a bag of cashew nuts was sold between N25, 000 and N30, 000, but lamented that most cashew farmers in the state are traditional farmers that needed mechanised farming to boost production.

Ahiaba, who also is a consultant to the state government on quality cashew production control, revealed cashew from the state started gaining national and international recognition in 2014 when the immediate past administration.

The state chairman pointed out that time has come for well to do indigenes of the state and state government to invest in the sector, adding that it will equally create employment and boost revenue generation. He also said a new variety (improving seedling), which after 18 months of planting would soon be ready for harvest is available in the state.

Ahiaba also commended the present administration led by Yahaya Bello, for consulting special task force to monitor all agricultural products, stating that the task force has since started work with his company to achieve the goals.

He urged the state government to invest in cashew industry by establishing its own cashew farm across the three senatorial districts in the state, which he said could reduce the rate of unemployment, noting that it is a veritable way of diversifying the economy.