Senate Approves First Reading of Bill to Create National Cashew Production, Research Institute

Senate Approves First Reading of Bill to Create National Cashew Production, Research Institute

A Bill to establish the National Cashew Production and Research Institute has successfully passed its first reading in the Senate. The Bill, sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, representing Kogi East Senatorial District, aims to set up the Institute in Idah, the headquarters of the Igala kingdom. The proposed Institute will focus on cashew research, production, and processing, with the goal of improving both local production and export quality……READ MORE

Senator Echocho highlighted that Kogi East, and Kogi State in general, is a major hub for cashew production in Nigeria. The establishment of the Institute will help improve the quality of cashews to meet global standards, create jobs, support local farmers, and attract investments to the region. He also emphasized the importance of the legal framework of the Institute, which will aim to foster job creation at various stages of the cashew value chain.

In addition to this, the Kogi State House of Assembly recently urged the state government to protect its cashew and other economic trees by implementing stricter regulations to prevent exploitation by foreign businessmen. Kogi State is the largest producer of cashew in Nigeria, a position it has maintained due to effective agricultural policies that support farmers.