Cashew farmers task govt on policy implementation

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has called for full implementation of policies that would drive agriculture as the country’s leading revenue earner. It also tasked the Federal Government to evolve realistic mechanism aimed at encouraging massive investment in the sector. Chief Oke Okoroafor, the chief executive officer of Mangro Farms Ltd, a major […]

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has called for full implementation of policies that would drive agriculture as the country’s leading revenue earner. It also tasked the Federal Government to evolve realistic mechanism aimed at encouraging massive investment in the sector.

Chief Oke Okoroafor, the chief executive officer of Mangro Farms Ltd, a major cashew value chain investor in South-East, Nigeria, made the call during the Kogi State election of the NCAN in Lokoja.

According to him, agriculture is a key driver of all economically strong countries of the world. He called on government at all levels to take the sector seriously.

Also speaking, president of the NCAN, Mr Ojo Ajanaku, said the association, which was registered in 2004, had not been able to find its bearing due to lack of proper organisational structure.

He said the absence of proper organisational structure had impeded growth and investment in cashew farming.

Pastor Isaac Ojonugwa, representative of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), said he was in the state to monitor the congress and ensure that farmers were well organised.

Alhaji Ibrahim Siaka (Duche) emerged the state chairman, Jibrin Haruna clinched the second vice chairman’s position, while Muhammed Yakubu got the position of secretary during the congress.

Other officials are Alhaji Ademu Makama, vice chairman, Kogi East; Abejirin Johnson, vice chairman, Kogi West; Audu Zubair, vice chairman, Kogi Central; Ahmed Igonoh, treasurer; Abdulrahim Haruna, assistant treasurer, among others.