PLANS ARE ON TO RESUME EXPORTATION OF CASHEW NUTS FROM ENUGU STATE TO FOREIGN MARKET

Enugu State Government says it is poised to reposition Cashew nut processing with a view to enhancing its quality  for premium price both locally and Internationally.

The Director of Produce, State Ministry of Commerce and Industry,

Mr. Hyacinth Ozor  gave the indication while speaking with news men in Enugu. Mr. Ozor expressed regret that cashew nut which was the sole produce ceded to Enugu State by the Federal Government, had lost its exportation value due to poor quality of the product.

‘’The Government now decided that henceforth, in all cashew activities, best practices must be adopted in the State. Cashew nuts must be sundried immediately after harvesting and on no account would it be plucked. The cashew should be allowed to mature, ripe and fall, then you come and pick.’’

He pointed out that the State government was also working on the marketing system of cashew nuts by setting up Aggregation Centre where farmers would bring their cashew nuts for proper processing and sale.

‘’We are calling on farmers and dealers to get registered with the Produce Inspection Department, so that when you form co-operatives, government can integrate you into the Aggregation Centre. Once you have Aggregation Centre, you now have license to buy and sell because cashew would no longer be allowed to sell in open market.’’

 The Director announced that Cashew Forum would be formed in all cashew producing communities in Enugu State by next week.

EZINWANNE OKWUOLISA