AUCHI – Edo Government has reaffirmed its preparedness to partner with groups or organizations to enhance the economic well being of farmers in the state.
The state commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdul Oroh gave the assurance at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area on the occasion of cashew nuts stakeholders meeting.
Addressing the farmers of cashew nuts and other stakeholders, a representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, the General Manager, Tree Crop Unit, Mr. Amos Erhabor said that it was a new dawn for cashew nuts in been taken seriously treated as expected.
He commended the organizers and T.Y. Danjuma Foundation which has empowered the organization to enhance cashew nuts value chain.
He disclosed that cashew, a tree which is among economic trees in the state had been added to the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and therefore enjoined T.Y. Danjuma Foundation to liaise with the ministry to have the number and statistics of the genuine farmers.
The Executive Director say No To Poverty Initiative, Mr. Shaibu Ikhanaede said the organization which is non-governmental, non political and non-religious charitable organization is committed to fighting unemployment, hunger and extreme poverty in the society, especially in rural communities.
Mr. Ikhanaede emphasized that they promote skill acquisition, provide national and financial support, information and incentives to unemployed youths and women to legitimately earn decent income and move away from poverty to a personal and domestic prosperity.
On his part, the representative of the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, Mr. Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other stakeholders, for their effort in bringing cashew nuts farming into limelight, say that it was neglected for a long period.
Various stakeholders who spoke in unison advised that farmers be encouraged by the state government through the provision of improved varieties and incentives for farmers, enough sensitization on the proposed project of the say No to Poverty Initiative so as to involve genuine farmers collaboration with ADP to know the genuine cashew farmers.