The Bill to establish the National Cashew Production and Research Institute has passed first reading after it was laid before the Senators of the 10th National Assembly.

The Bill was sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, representing Kogi East Senatorial District.

The Institute would be situated at Idah, headquarters of Igala kingdom and will be charged with the responsibilities of cashew research, processing and boosting production for local and export consumables.

According to the documents of the proposed bill made available to DAILY POST on Monday, the Federal government would leverage on abundant cashew production in Kogi East and by extension Kogi State and other parts of the country to ensure that the quality of cashew will be of global standards, notwithstanding that the current quality of cashew from Kogi State is sought all over the world.

He said the legal framework of the Research Institute will identify the value chain and processing, ensuring that at each level, there is job creation for the teaming youths.

Senator Isah said: “This will not only improve the quality of cashew products but also provide support to farmers and cashew business owners in Kogi State, particularly in Kogi East, which is known for its high cashew production.

“The institute will also attract investment, create jobs, and ensure better pricing for cashew farmers, thereby strengthening the local economy in Kogi East, Kogi State and Nigeria at large.”

DAILY POST recalls that a fortnight ago, Kogi State government was urged by the State House of Assembly to safeguard cashew and other economic trees in the State by putting in place stringent measures against abuse.

The State parliament urged the State government to enforce the laws with serious sanction for any erring persons and to also stop foreigners from accessing cashew farms in the State.

The resolution was the outcome of a motion sponsored by Hon. Oluwaseyi Bello representing Kabba Bunu State Constituency in the House of Assembly, adding that the State Ministry of Agriculture should properly monitor and regulate the activities of exploitative foreign businessmen in the interest of revenue for the State and security of the people.

Kogi continues to be the leading State in cashew production in Nigeria, which the State government attributed to robust and sound agricultural policies.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo once said: “Kogi State is the biggest producer of cashew in Nigeria because of our sound agricultural policies geared towards empowering farmers with improved seedlings, mechanization, agrochemicals as well as creating an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in cashew production.”