The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says that exporters in Imo recorded $8.6 million from the production and export of cashew in the 2024 fiscal year.

Executive director of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said this at a workshop on cashew production organised by the council in Owerri on Friday.

She spoke on the theme: “Best Agronomic and Post-Harvest Practices for Cashew Cluster Farmers in Imo State”.

Ms Ayeni, represented by the Imo coordinator of the NEPC, Anthony Ajuruchi, said that boosting cashew production was key to achieving sustainable growth in the sub-sector.

She commended cashew farmers in the state for their resilient efforts in spite of challenges.

She said that products from the cashew value chain can be used in the production of wine, liquor, cream, butter and other consumables.

“We have facilitated the purchase of 1,500 improved seedlings of cashew to be distributed to Okwudor and Okigwe farmers for value addition and export just like we did for cocoa two years ago, and now they are fruiting,” she said.

She thanked the Imo government for providing the enabling environment for the activities of farmers and exporters in the state to thrive.

Speaking, executive director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Umuahia, urged farmers to develop interest in cashew production.

Mr Adebola, represented by Olaniyi Olufemi, the institute’s head of station in Umuahia, said that CRIN will provide agronomic assistance and technical know-how to assist interested farmers of cashew, kola, coffee, cocoa, tea and black plum. 

(NAN)