By Ogalla Daniel
The Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Bello Victor, has charged the Ministry of Agriculture to preserve economic trees as well as strengthen the cashew value chain in view of their importance to the economy of the state.
Hon Victor gave the charge in a motion during plenary held at the state assembly complex, Lokoja recently.
According to him, based on data from the National Bureau of statistics (NBS), Kogi state is currently the leading producer of cashew nuts in Nigeria; just as cashew nuts are one of the nations most significant non oil exports.
He emphasised the importance of preserving and strengthening the cashew value chain which involves the entire process of producing, processing, and distributing cashew nuts, from the farm to the consumer.
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While giving a further breakdown of the cashew value chain in Kogi State ,he pointed out that the structure comprises of the exporters, merchants, licenced buying agents, sub buyers, functions and farmers.
In line with this, he further stressed that Kogi’s cashew value chain holds immense potential for economic growth, rural development and sustainable agriculture.
The lawmaker who is currently representing Kabba/Bunu State Constituency, acknowledged the fact that the cashew market has played a major role globally and that Kogi state stands to benefit immensely with the introduction and implementation of measures designed to strengthen the cashew value chain.
He recalled that only recently, an Executive Bill, Kogi State Commodity Exchange Market which was signed into law by the Governor Ahmad Usman Ododo led administration to support local farmers by enhancing their productivity through the creation of a support base for the marketing of their products.
Seconding the motion , member Representing Dekina/ Biraidu and Vice Chairman ,House Committee on Agriculture, Hon Ochidi Shehu, said that the target was to preserve the farmers by ensuring due procedures are followed in value chain.
He equally emphasised the need to adhere to laid down rules and regulations in the business sector of the country for economic activities to thrive.
Contributing, member Representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Hon Lawel Akus, emphasised the importance of prioritising cashew nuts and economic tress which he described as key in creation of employment opportunities, enhancing welfare as well as boosting the revenue base of the kogi state.
In addition , he advocated for proper sentisation and education of farmers on the basics in the sector while charging the Ministry of Agriculture to be alive to it’s responsibilities of addressing the issues.
On his part,the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf called on relevant authorities to commence the sensitisation of ciitizens especially those at constituency on these activities.
