The Nigerian government has said it is currently working out modalities with key players in the cashew value chain to create a sustainable Africa cashew industry that delivers globally competitive, value-added products and secures profitability for all.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Abubakar, who said this during a meeting in Abuja with the President of the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) Babatola Faseru, noted that a well guided program targeted at sustainable development of the cashew industry will fast track Economic Diversification.
Cashew is a national commodity that can be grown in the 36 Sates of Nigeria.
Cashew just like cocoa has become an economically important commodity that can attract foreign exchange earnings to the Nigerian economy.
Only 22 states are currently cultivating the crop in Nigeria.
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To scale up production and ensure bountiful harvest, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development noted that the ministry will continue to collaborate and support all efforts to develop and grow the cashew industry.
The meeting also discussed growth acceleration and investment strategies through the organisation and hosting of a global Africa Cashew conference.
The event is expected to build a sustainable platform for global networking for knowledge exchange and global best practices.
Editor, Omor Bazuaye