Edo State, Nigeria – The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has launched an ambitious plan to boost cashew production from 580,000 metric tons to 2 million annually, starting with the nursing of 40,000 seedlings in Edo State.
Key Highlights of the Project
Nationwide Expansion:
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300,000 seedlings already planted in Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Edo, and Enugu.
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1 million seedlings targeted across 21 states in partnership with Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Economic & Social Impact:
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Job creation for smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
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Poverty reduction through long-term income from cashew farming.
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Global market potential: Nigeria’s cashew is among the world’s best in quality.
5-Year Goal:
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Make Nigeria the #1 global cashew producer, surpassing Vietnam and India.
Why Edo State?
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Already leads Nigeria in cashew production.
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Fertile land ideal for high-yield cultivation.
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Strong farmer engagement under NCAN’s Edo Chapter.
What Stakeholders Are Saying
✔ Dr. Joseph Ajanaku (NCAN President):
“This isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about lifting millions out of poverty. Cashew can inject billions into Nigeria’s economy if supported.”
✔ Isaac Ikharo (Cashew Farmer, Omuora):
“Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is working. Farmers must seize this moment to expand production.”
✔ Osas Ojeikere (NCAN Edo Chairman):
“This initiative proves that agriculture is Nigeria’s future. We urge everyone—even backyard farmers—to join.”
Call to Action
NCAN is calling for:
Government support in funding and policy.
Private sector partnerships to scale processing & export.
Local farmers to plant cashew on any available land—no large farm required!
Bottom Line: With Edo leading the charge, Nigeria’s cashew sector is poised for a transformational boom—creating jobs, reducing poverty, and positioning the country as a global agri-powerhouse.
