Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, says cashew nuts export from Nigeria generated over $250 million in 2022, and expected to fetch about $500 million in 2023.
Abubakar, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said this during the Nigerian Cashew Day and cashew season commencement, themed: “Industrialising the Nigeria Cashew Sector through Inclusive Policies,” on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said: “In Nigeria, cashew is increasing in its importance as an export-oriented cash crop. Since the 1990’s, it has become an important source of non-oil export earnings.
“It is estimated to represent over 10% of the GDP based on export data of 2022, and it is becoming a commercial crop in Nigeria and is cultivated in 27 states including the FCT.
“In realisation of the importance of cashew, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development listed cashew as a priority crop.
“It is being promoted under the Import Substitution Strategy of the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
It is estimated to represent over 10% of the GDP based on export data of 2022, and it is becoming a commercial crop in Nigeria and is cultivated in 27 states including the FCT.
Mr Abubakar said the cashew value chain is among the crops being promoted under the Value Chain Programme of the Ministry.
“The Ministry has carried out a number of activities over the years to promote the growth of the value chain in the country including the distribution of improved seeds/seedlings to cashew farmers free of charge; establishment of cashew cottage industries in some states; and distribution of agro-chemicals/growth enhancers, carbon-free jute bags and knapsack sprayers.
“Others are the provision of water pumps to cashew farmers, conducting capacity building/training for cashew farmers and having sensitisation exercises,” the Minister added
President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Ojo Ajanaku, noted that Nigeria is steadily becoming an export hub for cashew, which accounts for about 11% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
He said: “This implies that the sector has the potential to drive national revenue generation, increase job creation and diversify the economy.”
Mr Ajanaku said that more than three million people in Nigeria, especially women have become cashew producers and were driving the sector with their male counterparts.
“NCAN”s long-term goal is to transform Nigeria from a low-priced commodity producer to a reliable supplier and exporter of high-quality cashew products, adopt indigenous innovations and policies that will drive the sector,” he added. (NAN)
