Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, has expressed enthusiasm for the New National Apex of Cashew Farmers Processors and Marketing Cooperative Ltd.
During a courtesy visit by the President of the cooperative, Yunusa Gabriel Enemali, briefed the Commissioner on the workings of the cooperative. Ojoma was impressed, saying, “Cashew is the diamond from the tree that we must harness all the value chain addition.”
Ojoma’s interest in the cooperative was evident, as he immediately picked up a membership form and pledged to make Kogi State a leading participant. This move aligns with the state’s goals to become a hub for food production, with cashew being a key crop.According to the President of the cooperative, the organization aims to provide a unified voice for stakeholders in the cashew industry, improve access to finance, enhance market opportunities, and promote value addition.
The cooperative will provide numerous benefits to its members, including access to affordable inputs, training and capacity building, and market linkages.
“The cooperative will also facilitate the establishment of cashew processing factories, which will create jobs and increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings,” the President explained.
Furthermore, the cooperative will work with the government to develop policies and programmes that support the growth and development of the cashew industry. This includes advocating for favorable trade policies, providing support for research and development, and promoting the use of cashew products in local industries.
As Commissioner, Ojoma has been instrumental in promoting agriculture in Kogi State. He emphasized the importance of supporting farmers and providing them with necessary resources to enhance productivity. “The state has already seen significant success in cassava and cashew production, with plans to expand to other crops,” he noted.