Cashew nut farming

In the rich agricultural landscape of Oyo State, the end-of-the-year and early New Year present a unique window of opportunity for aspiring farmers, especially the youth. According to findings from FarmingFarmersFarms, a pioneering exploration into Oyo State’s agricultural practices, engaging in cashew nut farming stands out as one of the most lucrative ventures during this period. Mr. Mudashiru Ismail, a seasoned businessman in Saki, Oyo State, sheds light on the immense potential of this agricultural pursuit.

Saki, located in the extreme part of Oyo State, enjoys a strategic position that exposes the town to significant exporting activities. Ismail, with a diverse portfolio of ventures, underscores the attractiveness of cashew nut trading during this season. He elaborates that the process begins with the quiet phase of gathering the nuts, paving the way for the booming phase towards the end of the season. This is when the stored cashew nuts are meticulously sorted, bagged, and readied for sale to international markets.

Mr. Mudashiru Ismail.

As highlighted in the National Bureau of Statistics report for 2023, cashew nuts emerge as one of Nigeria’s most exported crops. Ismail, drawing from his firsthand experience attests to the profitability of engaging in cashew nut trading. He noted that this perception had led to a surge in cashew tree planting among the citizens of Saki, by involving households and children, who actively participate in picking and storing cashew nuts as a means of earning extra income at the year’s end. Beyond the economic benefits, Ismail, an expert in the field, advocates for a shift in focus from mere exportation to local processing. He believes that the state government could significantly enhance the agriculture sector by investing in the processing of cashew nuts locally.

This approach not only adds value to the product, but also creates employment opportunities, fostering growth and development within the state and the country at large. In conclusion, the end of the year and early new year present a golden opportunity for the youth of Oyo State to delve into cashew nut farming, inspired by success stories like Ismail’s. This strategic agricultural pursuit not only aligns with current trends in Nigeria’s export market, but also holds the potential to transform the local economy and contribute to the overall development of the state.