The workshop was organized on November 9, 2021 by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Abuja on Cashew post-harvest handling, processing and marketing; and was held at the Conference Hall of National Orientation Agency Benin City, Edo State. The goodwill message was delivered by the Representative of Edo State Government, Mr Welington Omoragbor on behalf of people and Government of Edo State. He appreciated the organizers and requested that such training should be taken
to the farming communities of the State rather than Benin City for a fuller participation by farmers and other stakeholders. In his welcome address, the representative of the permanent secretary FMA&RD, Mr Uthaka stressed the importance of postharvest handling and its implication on the marketing of the produce. He urged all participants to take full advantage of the training by putting into use the various things that will be taught at the programme. The Executive Director of CRIN, Dr. Adebola Patrick, represented by Dr. Olufemi Ibiremo, Director and Programme Leader (Cashew), delivered the goodwill message. The ED emphasized that the training is hinged on the improvement of the quality of cashew nuts in Nigeria, thereby improving the image of the nation. The lead speaker at the occasion was Dr. Akin Olagbaju from NSPRI, Ilorin, Kwara State. He spoke on ‘Acceptable standards and norms for cashew post-harvest handling and storage techniques’. He highlighted the various techniques of post-harvest handling techniques and processing methods in cashew. The second paper was presented by Dr. Ibiremo on behalf of CRIN and he spoke on ‘Cashew nut quality control for competiveness in regional and international market’. He gave detailed explanations on the various cashew quality parameters that will impact positively on the competitiveness of Nigerian Cashew. According to him, this includes: Pre-requisites for high quality cashew nuts, Nut Counts, Moisture content/humidity, Shelling-out-turn/KOR, Storage, Contamination control, Challenges to cashew quality standards in Nigeria and Measures to combat the challenges of quality RCN. Another speaker from the College of Agriculture, ABU, Zaria, Dr Omolola Etuk-Udor, spoke on ‘Cashew and cashew products storage techniques’. After the presentations, comments were taken from the audience in form of questions regarding the presentations. At the end of the programme, the farmers’ representative appreciated the organizers, FMARD, and the various presenters. They requested for more of such training in the State particularly Edo North.