The Nigerian Senate has taken an important step to boost cashew production in the country. A bill to create the National Cashew Production and Research Institute has passed its first reading. Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, representing Kogi East, sponsored the bill, which aims to improve cashew farming and processing.

The institute will be located in Idah, Kogi State, a region well-known for its cashew production. It will focus on cashew research, processing, and increasing production for both local use and export. The goal is to ensure Nigerian cashew meets global quality standards.

The proposed law will also help identify key areas in cashew farming and processing to create more job opportunities. Senator Echocho emphasized that the institute will support cashew farmers and business owners by improving product quality, attracting investors, and ensuring better pricing for their produce. This move will boost the local economy in Kogi East, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole

Recently, the Kogi State House of Assembly called on the government to protect cashew and other economic trees from exploitation. Lawmakers urged strict measures to prevent foreign businessmen from taking advantage of local farmers and to ensure fair regulations in the industry.

Kogi State is known as Nigeria’s top cashew-producing state due to its strong agricultural policies. The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, previously stated that Kogi has remained the leading cashew producer by supporting farmers with improved seedlings, mechanized farming, and agrochemicals. The government has also encouraged private sector investment in cashew farming.