Zambia: Cashew industry revived

WESTERN Province Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba has said Government has taken steps to revive the cashew nut industry in the area in a bid to earn the country over KR200 million (K200 billion) annually.
Speaking when he toured the Western Cashew Industry Company in Mongu, Mr Mwamba disclosed that provincial administration had imported seedlings from Mozambique and support staff from that country would arrive in Mongu next week.
He said that the variety from Mozambique, was high yielding, gave fruit nuts faster than the variety currently present in Western Province.
He said experts have forcast that the industry will create 10,000 factory jobs, 20,000 farm jobs and support households that depend on agriculture.
Mr Mwamba said these measures would earn the country over KR225 million (K225 billion) per year.
He said Government has a duty to replicate the rapid growth of the industry that was at its peak from 1986 to 1992. The industry will give renewed opportunities for farmers, would create job opportunities, provide food security and reduce poverty.
Mr Mwamba said that the current international price of cashew nuts is attractive hence the need for the private sector to invest in the industry.
Meanwhile, Cashew Growers Association national coordinator, Moses Chimbilimbili said the association imported processing equipment from India which is suitable for rural areas as it does not require electricity to operate.
He expressed happiness that Government has shown commitment to revive the sector.
Mr Chimbilimbili said a tonne of copper and a tonne of cashew nuts fetched the same price.
He said that his association has targeted 1.3 million hectares of land through an out-grower scheme adding that this would make the country produce 130,000 tonnes of raw cashew and earn the country KR225 million  (K225 billion) per annum.
He said Western Province has cashew trees that were planted in 1987 and he welcomed Government’s commitment to replace the aging trees by importing a better variety and embarking on a replanting exercise. – ZANIS.