<p>Edo State Government has confirmed plans to partner with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the cultivation of 6,000 hectares of cashew farmlands in the state under the Cashew Expansion Programme.State Commissioner of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Mr. Monday Osaigbovo said during the presentation of the activities and achievements of the ministry at the Edo State House of Assembly that six local governments had been mandated to solicit for the 6,000 hectares of land.</p> <p>He listed the local government to include Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Etsako West, Owan East and Owan West as favorable for the production of the cash crop in the state.He said the state government was also collaborating with the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Iyanomo in partnership with the Federal ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to establish a rubber nursery in the state-owned college of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi.Osaigbovo also disclosed that a total of 525 farmers benefited from the SEEFOR/FADAMA 111 programme collaboration projects in the state from January to date while plans were on to revive the moribund Igarra cattle ranch under the Public-Private Partnership initiative with a view to sustain the ranch, generate employment and revenue.</p>