FARMERS RECEIVE 20,000 FREE CASHEW SEEDLINGS IN OGUN

FARMERS RECEIVE 20,000 FREE CASHEW SEEDLINGS IN OGUN 
In a bid to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers, the Ogun State Government has commenced the distribution of 20,000 cashew seedlings to farmers in Abeokuta North and Yewa North Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the distribution and flag-off ceremony, held at Ilewo Orile, in Abeokuta North Local Government,  the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the initiative was aimed at improving the economic well-being of farmers across the state, particularly those in Abeokuta North and Yewa North, given the areas' strategic advantage for cashew cultivation.

Owotomo, who was represented by the Director of Tree Crops and Rural Development Services in the Ministry, Mr. Oyeshola James, said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would continue to prioritise agricultural development and strengthen the food production value chain across the state.

He explained that the distribution of the 20,000 cashew seedlings was designed to empower farmers economically, increase agricultural productivity and boost their output in subsequent harvest seasons.

According to him, the government is taking advantage of the prevailing climatic conditions during the rainy season to encourage farmers to invest in cashew cultivation, particularly following reports of crop losses caused by irregular rainfall in June and July.

"The government is taking advantage of the changing weather conditions and the possibility of sustained rainfall through December 2026. We recognise that some farmers may have experienced losses due to the irregular rainfall recorded in June and July. This is why the government is prioritising cashew farmers, encouraging them to take advantage of the favourable conditions," he said.

He added that the selection of Abeokuta North and Yewa North was strategic because both local government areas were well known for cashew cultivation, growth and production.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cashew Association, Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Ganiu Adeniji, commended the state government for the initiative and called for its sustainability beyond the present administration.

He urged the benefiting farmers to make effective use of the opportunity by planting the seedlings promptly and adopting appropriate agricultural practices to ensure healthy growth, early maturity and increased cashew production.

Similarly, the Iya Egbe Oni Cashew and Chief Executive Officer of FAAB AYOKA GROUP LIMITED, Alhaja Ibrahim Fausat, appealed to the state government to establish a cashew processing factory in Ogun State to further strengthen the state's agricultural sector.

She noted that local processing of cashew products would create employment opportunities, particularly for youths, while contributing to the state's internally generated revenue.

"If cashew cultivation and production can be complemented with local processing in Ogun State, it will provide additional opportunities for youth employment and improve the state's internally generated revenue," she said.

Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Abeokuta North Local Government, Mr. Oyebade Yinka, described the initiative as a welcome development, noting that the two selected local government areas had a comparative advantage in large-scale cashew cultivation.

He advised the benefiting farmers to plant the seedlings immediately upon receipt and embrace good agricultural practices to ensure their successful growth.

He further urged them to nurture the seedlings to maturity, stressing that the initiative would improve their livelihoods, increase agricultural productivity and contribute significantly to food security in the state.

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