BY: ADEOSUN EWATOMI
Cashew farmers in Nigeria are calling on the federal government to suspend plans to ban the export of cashew nuts, citing concerns over the potential impact on the country's non-oil economy. The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) argues that the proposed ban, which is currently before the National Assembly, would undermine efforts to diversify the economy and could have far-reaching consequences for the industry.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, leaders of the farmers' association, Salami Tunde and Omotosho Theophilus, expressed their concerns about the potential job losses and economic instability that could result from the ban. "The bill seeking to ban cashew nut exportation is anti-people and would deal a devastating blow to the nation's non-oil export sectors," they said.
Instead of imposing a ban, the farmers are urging the government to establish processing factories in regions with abundant cashew farms, such as Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun areas of Oyo State, Kogi State, and Kwara State. This, they argue, would create jobs, stimulate local economies, and increase the country's export earnings.
The farmers also highlighted the potential consequences of the ban on the livelihoods of thousands of people employed in the cashew industry, including farmers, traders, and exporters. "Some youths who had found job opportunities in the cashew nut export industry would lose out if the bill were to pass through," they warned.
The NCAN is calling on the federal government to reconsider the proposed ban and instead work with stakeholders to develop policies that support the growth and development of the cashew industry.