Kwara To introduce Organic Cashew seedlings, flags off new season

As part of plans to boost production and increase yield of cashew farming, the Kwara State government has said it will introduce organic cashew seedlings for farmers in the state.

Speaking at the official flag-off of this year’s cashew season held in Ilorin, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Adenike Afolabi Oshatimehin, said part of efforts of the state government for introducing organic cashew (hybrid cashew) seedlings  is to boost yield of farmers.

Oshatimehin, who was represented at the programme by the Director of Produce, Mr. Moshood Soleye, appreciated cashew farmers association for steps taken to see that members continue to grow and increase.

The commissioner, who said that leaders of the association had earlier paid visit to the ministry where they pledged their supportfor the government, advised them to be law-abiding and resolve issues of illegal transportation of cashew amicably and through right channels.

He said members should ensure to register and obtain licence that will enable them to trade in the cashew business.

Also speaking, chairman of the state association, Abdullateef Muhamadu Jamiu, appreciated members for their support, saying that the measuring pan which was sold previously at N2,500, would be sold N2,000 this year.

He appealed to to members to be considerate while doing business and should not place heavy rate on buyers in a bid to make high profit.

Some Indians who are buyers of the cashew produce were also present at the programme.

The National General Secretary of the association and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Kwara State Produce Dealers Association, Alhaji Moshood Shogo, advised buyers not to cut corners but to take right channel when buying their goods.