Nigeria: Oyo cashew farmers foresee good harvest in 2013

As the new cashew season begins nationwide, farmers in Oyo State have expressed optimism about the possibility of a good harvest in 2013.

Alhaji Adebayo Sodiq, the Chairman, Oyo State Association of Cashew Growers and Buyers, who made this known on Wednesday, said the rate of flowering of the fruit in 2013 was more than in 2012.
Sodiq said with the high possibility of greater harvest, there was hope that farmers and processors would earn more money at the cropping season.
``Cashew is just coming out now and we are undertaking a survey to know the challenges facing farmers, buyers and the processors. When we gather the facts, including the strengths and weaknesses, we will take appropriate action to find solution where needed,’’ he said.
Sodiq, however, said the major challenge of post-harvest waste due to lack of storage facilities was still a major issue.
He appealed to the government and private investors to assist in finding solution to it, stressing that the return from the investment was huge and attractive if the major challenge was surmounted.

Source: businessdayonline.com