The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has trained over 70 cashew growers in the production and processing of cashew for export purposes.

The training took place at a one-day quality improvement sensitisation programme for stakeholders in the cashew value chain in Owerri, on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said the training was necessary to consolidate efforts so far made in cashew production, processing and exportation.

Mrs Ayeni, represented by the NEPC’s Coordinator in Imo and National Team Lead on cashew, Anthony Ajuruchi, said that as the fourth highest producer of cashew in the world, Nigeria must maintain its pride of place and leading role.

This, she said, was in line with the NEPC’s new mantra: “Doubling our exports for economic growth and job creation.”

She said, “Cashew holds a huge foreign exchange potential for Nigeria and we cannot afford not to double our efforts. As the fourth highest producer of cashew in the world, we have the potential for unparalleled greatness and we must harness it, hence this workshop.’’

Mr Ajuruchi, however, said that NEPC might consider supply of improved seedlings to committed farmers in Imo State as an incentive to encourage cashew farming.

 According to him, multinational organisations such as the African Alliance and the German Corporation for International Cooperation were prepared for holistic partnerships with Nigerian farmers and processing, to enable them meet increasing demand.

Also speaking, the pioneer President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria and current member, Board of Trustees of the association, Sunday Uzoechi, called on the government at all levels to prioritise non-oil exports to revive the economy.

He also urged farmers, marketers and processors of cashew to recommit to its production for best results.

Also, Chairman of NCAN in Imo State, Simon Ezikeiheoma, said large production of cashew was ongoing in Okigwe, Okwudor and Awomamma communities of Imo, where there are large clusters producing over 1000 metric tons of cashew per annum.

 (NAN)