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Cashew traders lament KWSG neglect

By Mike Adeyemi
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, has lamented neglect by the Kwara State government.
The state Chairman of the association, Mohammed Abdullateef, stated this on Friday during a chat with our reporter in his office.
According to him, “Kwara State which was ranked second in the whole of Nigeria would have done better if it enjoyed support of the state government.’
“At present in Kwara, cashew business activity is at its peak compared to what we had last year. Kwara has enough cashews that is ranked second best in terms of quality and quantity.
“Last year, cashew business was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic as prices dripped. This year, the demand is high as well as the price is good. We have boom in the business this year.
“Inspite of this, the state government hasn’t deemed it fit to support cashew business in Kwara. There is a total neglect by the government which has adversely affected Kwara cashew traders,” Abdullateef said.
He added that the activity of Kwara cashew traders have been downplayed as a result of non regulation by the state government which allows neighbouring states to dominate the market.
“The non regulation by the government has impeded growth of cashew business in Kwara. It is the neighbouring states that dominate the market.
“If not for support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Kwara wouldn’t have been ranked well in Nigeria.
“In other states, their government assist them in the form of providing soft loans to boost the expansion of cashew business. But we haven’t had that opportunity in Kwara.
“If our government can boost Cashew business in the state, it will further increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). As at now, each cashew trader pay N20,000 annually as due to government coffer and we are up to 600 in Kwara,” he disclosed.
Abullateef, however, urged the Kwara State government to establish cashew processing company across the state for employment opportunities.
“Cashew business has over the years contributed and improved Kwara economy in no small way. We urge the government to set up processing factory in the state.
“Cashew nuts has many by-products and 95 per cent of cashew in Kwara is exported raw out of Nigeria. Kwara State government can set up processing plants in each local government area of the state.
“If this is done, it would guarantee job opportunities for Kwarans and more IGR. There is no Local Government Area in the state where cashew planting cannot thrive,” he added.

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