The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has announced that it is cultivating one million cashew seedlings in nurseries across the country, with the goal of distributing them to farmers to enhance national cashew production.
This was revealed by NCAN President, Dr. Joseph Ajanaku, on Tuesday during the planting of 20,000 cashew seeds in Makurdi, Benue State. Ajanaku, represented by NCAN’s National Financial Secretary, Mr. Mohammed Kabir, said the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Beyond Farm Collection (BFC).
Dr. Ajanaku noted that the association aims to raise Nigeria’s current annual cashew output from 580,000 metric tonnes to at least 2 million metric tonnes.
“With 21 states having fertile land suitable for large-scale cashew cultivation, this target is well within reach,” he stated.
He emphasized the vast economic and employment potential of the cashew sector, highlighting its capacity to inject billions of dollars into the Nigerian economy if adequately supported.
“We’re currently nurturing about one million seedlings nationwide for distribution to farmers. Just last week, I was in Kogi State overseeing the planting of 20,000 seedlings. Today, we’re in Benue, doing the same,” Ajanaku said.
He noted that 300,000 seedlings have already been cultivated across seven states, including Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Edo, and Enugu.
“We’ve completed planting in Kogi and Benue. Edo is currently underway, and we’ll continue to expand to other suitable states,” he added.
Ajanaku also praised the soil quality across Benue’s three senatorial zones, describing it as ideal for cashew cultivation.
Benue State NCAN Chairperson, Mrs. Bridget Yough, expressed gratitude for being selected for the project. She revealed that Benue produced only 5,000 metric tonnes of cashew last year, which is far below the state’s potential.
“To truly benefit from this initiative, we need high-quality seedlings. The ‘Ogbomosho’ variety we’re receiving is highly sought after, both nationally and internationally,” she explained.
Benue has already received 20,000 seedlings, with more requested from the national office.
“Cashew is like diamonds on trees. The older the tree, the higher the returns,” she said.
“A hectare with 200 trees can generate a minimum of ₦4 million annually. It’s an incredibly profitable venture.”
NCAN Benue Secretary, Mr. James Ekele, described the national effort as a step toward converting idle forest lands into productive farmland.
“This initiative empowers us to put unused land to work. Beyond income generation, it also plays a role in land security—preventing encroachment by insurgents and criminal elements,” he noted.
Ekele urged the Benue State Government to:
- Open up farmlands
- Provide land-clearing machinery
- Support access to seedlings and farming inputs
