Tanzania: Board plans to boost cashew

Dar es Salaam. Revival of cashew processing plants in the country and developing an easily recognisable brand name may help to boost the crop’s production to increase earnings from both the internal and external markets, according to a high ranking official from the Tanzania Cashew Board.

The official said there are, however, several challenges facing the crop one being uncertainty of the demand.

The board’s director for agriculture and processing, Mr Luseshelo Silomba, said in spite of increasing production, there is still high competition from other cashew producing countries, coupled with economic hardships that have been rocking the US and European countries.

“The future of cashewnut producers depends on local processing capacity to add value. Revamping the internal processing capacity, promoting local consumption and developing a strong brand name are requisites towards conforming to international standards and therefore boosting the crop’s perfomance,” he said.

However, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Economic Monthly Review report shows that cashew exports have been increasing. The report shows that India is still the main buyer of raw cashews from the country. For the 2010/2011-year, the export of raw cashews grew by 96 per cent to 113,000 tonnes.

“Most of experienced farmers know the quality required by external buyers; however, more training and close monitoring is needed. Sometimes farmers do not grade cashewnuts, due to negligence or lack of knowledge on grading and its importance,” Mr Silomba said.

“Also lack of brand name of kernels from Tanzania is a problem because the product lacks its own identity. However, giant processors do not face much problems concerning kernels market,” he said.

He said it was important to meet the processing and branding conditions in order to face-off competition from other producing countries and alternative products.

Source: http://thecitizen.co.tz/business/13-local-business/21935-board-plans-to-boost-cashew.html