Olam Distributes 3,000 Cashew Seedlings to Farmers

• Olam Distributes 3,000 Cashew Seedlings to Farmers

A cashew processing company, Olam Nigeria Limited, Edible Nut, Kwara State, on Wednesday, distributed 3,000 hybrid cashew seedlings to selected farmers’ groups in Kwara and Oyo states.

The distribution of the seedlings which was held at the company factory at Ogbondoroko was done in collaboration with the Kwara State branch of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council and the National Cashew Association of Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Plant Manager, Olam Cashew Processing factory, Mr Rajeesh Neelanjeri, said that the company embarked on the distribution of improved cashew seedlings to farmers in Kwara and Oyo states for sustainability of cashew crop production in Nigeria.

Neelanjeri who was represented by the factory Manager of Olam Cashew processing factory, Mr Ajibade Idris, said, “For sustainability of the cashew crop, it is very important to plant newer varieties of cashew trees which give higher yield to the farmers and improve the quality of cashew nut.

He added that the company was in collaboration with the RMRDC which has liased with some agricultural research institutes to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant and early -maturing cashew seedlings.

He stated that the seedlings being distributed to the farmers would produce fruits within 18 months with better yield.

In his address, the Director General, RMRDC, Prof Hussein Ibrahim, who was represented by the Kwara State coordinator of the council, Mrs Lydia Adewumi, said that the Federal Government parastatal was established to promote the development and optimal utilisation of Nigeria resources for industrial growth.

He said that the council through its agro boosting programme procures improved seeds from research institutes and seed farms which were distributed to farmers for cultivation.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers’ groups, Mr Gabriel Oyeyemi of Ifesowapo organic farmers, Iresaapa expressed appreciation to the company and promised that the farmers would nurture the seedlings to boost cashew production.