ACA targets 100,000 metric tonnes of cashew by 2020

The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) on Thursday set an ambitious target of achieving additional 100,000 metric tonnes of processed cashew by 2020.

Currently, the volume of raw cashew nut processed in Africa is about 75,000 metric tonnes.

Mr Christian Dahm, Senior Director at the ACA, who made this known at a news conference in Accra, said the Alliance had rolled out two-pronged strategy to enable the corporate entity to meet the deadline.

He said access to finance as well as quality food safety standards and traceability are part of the strategies.

Mr Dahm said the Alliance is committed towards working with cashew chain stakeholders to promote the growth of the industry.

He said the body would administer technical support to Government and the private sector to maximise value addition and jobs creation on the African continent.

Mr Dahm said ACA is committed to apply basic food safety measures and to continuously upgrade the standard of facilities.

He said the prospects of the cashew industry on the Continent is high, stressing that almost two million farmer households in 11 African countries supply raw cashew nut to cashew processing factories in Africa and to the rest of the world.

“By 2020, the African cashew industry aims to process 35 per cent of Africa’s tree yield and significantly increase the world market share of cashew kernels from Africa.

“This would result in more than $200 million in added value which would translate into more than 100,000 new jobs and increased incomes for millions of cashew farmers,” he said.

Mr Dahm expressed optimism that soon Ghana would serve as the regional hub for the cashew industry due to the country’s democratic credentials, conducive business environment and economic prospects.

He said one of Brazil’s leading cashew businesses, is to set up a 35,000-metric-tonne capacity facility at Prampram, in the eastern suburb of Accra.

The project is expected to create 2000 direct jobs and other auxiliary employment opportunities.

Mr Windred Osei Owusu, Acting President of the Ghana Cashew Industry Association, called on the media to sensitise the public on the economic and the nutritional value of cashew products.

He also called for diversification of export activities to include more non-traditional export commodities such as cashew.

Alhaji Arz Salifu, Deputy Director at the Office of the Chief Director of Ministry of Food and Agriculture, underscored the importance of Government’s interventions to revive the cashew industry.

The projects include the Cashew Development Project.

Source: GNA