Tanzania: Cashewnut system unfair to farmers

Nov 26, 2009 - Daily News

A study by the World Bank Dar es Salaam office has criticized the cashew nuts warehouse system, saying it does not help farmers get good prices and creates more liabilities to the government. The statement issued today by the World Bank comes a few days after Prime Minister Pinda called for reform of the system after it was the system had high cost for the cash crop. ... read more...

Philippines: Cashew self-sufficiency seen by 2015

Dec 3, 2009 - Business World

We expect that between 2015 and 2020, we will be self-sufficient in cashew nuts," Mr. Espino said, adding that the government and local stakeholders target an additional 10,000-15,000 hectares for the program. ... read more...

Ghana: Cashew Production, a potential for investment

July 29, 2009 - Modern Ghana

Ghana has an excellent location for the growing and processing of cashew nuts. Lots of revenue accrues from that non traditional crop but till date attention to that crop is minimal. The northern part of Ghana is blessed with the land to increase production but little support and attention is given to farmers. ... read more...

African Cashew Alliance Conference in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 1-3 September 2009

The conference will bring together cashew farmer groups, exporters, processors, roasters, scientists, equipment suppliers, financial institutions, and multinational food, trading and marketing companies from around the world. They will exhibit their companies, present the way forward for the African cashew industry and meet the big players and newcomers in the industry.

... read more...

Cote d'Ivoire: L`anacarde se trouve dans une situation difficile

July 9, 2009 - abidjan.net

Les problèmes de la filière anacarde sont loin de prendre fin. Et les producteurs sont de plus en plus exposés. C`est le constat que fait le Pca de la Fédération nationale des organisations paysannes professionnelles agricoles productrices de noix de cajou de Côte d`Ivoire (Fenopaci). Dans cette interview, M. Konaté Vassiliki dénonce les malheurs des producteurs. ... read more...

New US import data available tomorrow!

by David Ivanovic

Stay tuned as tomorrow I’ll publish the latest US import data for May 2009. EU data will be availalbe a few weeks later.

India: Govt urged not to permit new cashew factories

July 3, 2009 - Express News Service

The AITUC-led Kerala Kasu Andi Thozhilali Council has urged the government not to grant licence for new cashew factories. In a statement here on Thursday, Council general secretary A.Fazaludeen Huck said about 3 lakh workers are employed in the cashew sector in more than 850 factories. The production of ... read more...

India: Scheme for cashew development

July 1, 2009 - The Hindu

A Rs.31-crore scheme for expanding cashew cultivation and increasing cashew production in the State will be implemented. According to a press release, the scheme was being launched in the district by the Kerala State Agency for the Expansion of Cashew Cultivation with the financial assistance of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) as part of expanding cashew cultivation to 20,000 hectares in the State in the next four years. The funds to be utilised for ... read more...

Gambia River Basin cashew enhancement project launched

June 26, 2009 - The Daily Observer

The Gambia River Basin Cashew Enhancement Project was last Wednesday launched at the Paradise Suits Hotel. Organised by the International Relief and Development (IRD), The Gambia, the Gambia River Basin Cashew Enhancement Project (CEP), is a three years US Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded project designed to strengthen cashew growers association, promote best agronomic practices for cashew production and to increase ... read more...

India: Cashew kernel up on low arrivals, fresh buying

June 27, 2009 - The Hindu

Cashew (kernel) prices on Saturday rose up to Rs 20 per kg in the national capital largely on the back of fresh buying by retailers and stockists.Low arrivals from growing regions also supported the rise in the prices.Cashew kernel No 180, No 210, No 240 and No 320 increased up to Rs 20 to Rs 455-460, Rs 420-425, Rs 350-360 and Rs 320-330 per kg respectively. ... read more...

India: Exports of cashew continue to drop

June 25, 2009 - The Hindu Business Line

Economic recession in major consuming countries continues to impact the Indian cashew exports, which have shown a decline during the first two months of the current fiscal. Indian shipments in April and May stood at 17,035 tonnes, valued at Rs 456.23 crore, as against 20,008 tonnes, valued at Rs 487.32 crore, in the same period the previous financial year. However, the unit value realisation was on the higher side because of the weakening of the rupee against the dollar. Unit value this ... read more...

India: Cashew exports dip over 17 pc in May

June 24, 2009 - The Hindu

Kochi (PTI): The export of cashew kernel, declined by over 17 per cent to 8,696 tonnes in May due to lower demand from key importing countries like the US and the Europe amid the global economic slowdown.

Exports during May 2008 stood at 10,516 tonnes, according to Cashew Export Promotion Council (CEPC) data.Cashew exports are affected mainly due to ... read more...

Market share in the USA for 2008

by David Ivanovic

For the second year straight, Vietnam has overtaken India as the number one shelled cashew nut supplier, controlling 41% of the 112,000 mt imported by the USA in 2008.

While Vietnam, India and Brazil remain the most significant exporting countries, only the South-East Asian nation could achieve positive growth in 2008 and increase its share in the United States.

India: Cashew fruit alcoholic beverage "Feni" gets GI Registration in Goa

Feni, an alcoholic beverage produced in Goa, has been manufactured with local expertise for generations from cashew fruit is now protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) status. Feni is the first such alcoholic beverage in India to get the honor.

With this the product can be registered internationally and only Goa will have the right to produce Feni. The GI certificate currently assigned to Feni is valid for 10 years, it is learnt.

Michael D'Souza, Director, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Goa, said, "We have received the GI certificate for Feni. This is the first major step for claiming international registration.

It is also learnt that several African countries brew spirit from cashew fruit, the Goan Feni is qualitatively much superior, largely due to the uniqueness of the Goa's weather and the production process that makes it a class apart from the cashew-based spirit made in other parts of the world.

According to sources, Feni is considered to have some medicinal properties. The Feni is also made of the coconut cream, but it lacks the flavor and fragrance of cashew brew.
There are 19 bottlers, 94 wholesalers and 6,589 retailers of feni in Goa. There are 1,532 cashew zones and 2,656 licensed units are allowed to produce the liquor.


Source: foodbizdaily.com

Publication date: 6/3/2009

UK: Nut allergy 'hits Asian children'

A disproportionately high number of Asian children are being diagnosed with nut allergy, a leading expert says.

Dr Abbass Khakoo, medical director at London's Hillingdon Hospital, is a specialist in food allergies.

He said children from ethnic minorities were over-represented at his two London clinics.

He has found children from ethnic backgrounds appear to display symptoms of nut allergies at a younger age than their white counterparts.

Guys and St Thomas hospital in London, which has a large allergy clinic, has also reported that they are seeing higher numbers of Asian children who have nut allergies.

Dr Khakoo has called for further research to find out why more Asian children appear to be developing nut allergies.

He said: "There is something about the increase in these groups presenting to allergy clinics, that is causing alarm and puzzlement because we don't understand why there has been an explosion in nut allergy"

Peanut allergy affects up to 2% of young children in the UK, but other nuts including almonds, cashew, brazil nuts and walnuts can also cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock.

Swelling

Symptoms can include breathing problems, swelling of the throat and mouth, a change in the heart rate and even unconsciousness which could lead to death.




Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Publication date: 6/3/2009

Guinea Bissau: Government finds buyers for cashew nuts

The government of Guinea Bissau has found buyers for the country’s cashew nut crop, thus avoiding a sharp drop in prices paid to farmers, the Guinean Trade Ministry said in Bissau Wednesday.

“Two Guinean and one Senegalese businessman will buy the cashews for 200 cfa francs per kilo (0.30 euro) in the country’s interior and for 230 cfa francs (0.35 euro) in Bissau,” the ministry said.

The measure by the government, which is prevented from setting the price of cashew nuts, the country’s main export product, aims to minimise losses to farmers, who were selling the product at 100 cfa francs (0.15 euros) per kilo, or exchanging it for rice.

Last year, each kilogram of cashew nuts in Guinea Bissau sold for 300 cfa francs (0.45 euro), with the country exporting 110,000 tonnes of the product.

Guinea Bissau has no cashew processing industry and essentially exports to India.


Source: macauhub.com.mo

Publication date: 5/18/2009

Nigeria: Cashew body calls for holistic supervision of N200b agric grants

The President of Cashew Nuts Association of Nigeria (CNAN), Mr Tunji Owoeye have urged the CBN to properly supervise the disbursement of the N200 billion grant for commercial farming to meet the desire impact.

Owoeye told News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday to ensure that the designated disbursing banks are properly monitored to ensure that only farmers, processors and allied sectors benefited from the loan.
Owoeye expressed fears that with the global financial meltdown and difficulties in accessing fund that banks could likely divert such agriculture grants to other uses.

He however applauded the federal government efforts for putting the fund in place saying it is one thing is to provide the fund but another thing to get access to the fund as planned.

He suggested that CBN should consult the various agriculture stakeholders on modality to disburse the loan adding that it should be done through cooperative and association, .because they can identified the members

In addition, he said the bank should give part of the loan as inputs saying such would discourage non_agrarians from taken undue advantage of the system
“ The farmer can get the necessary inputs such as fertilizer, seeds, chemical, land plough and cash for farm management,” he said.



Source: vanguardngr.com

Publication date: 5/18/2009

Mozambique to export fewer cashew nuts to India, O Pais reports

Mozambique may export as much as 25 percent fewer cashew nuts to India than it did last year because of falling demand, O Pais reported, citing National Cashew Nuts Institute Director Raimundo Matule.

The price of Mozambican brute cashew nuts has declined by about $100 since the start of 2008 to about $600 a metric ton because of the global recession, the Maputo-based newspaper said.


Source: bloomberg.com

Publication date: 5/25/2009

India: Efforts to set up cashew board hit roadblock

Some lobbies are reportedly hindering the setting up of a cashew development board (CDB) before the new Union Council of Ministers assume office, and they are alleged to have managed to make the Planning Commission to come out against the proposal on May 4.

The Planning Commission in its letter No. N-14071/2/2009 -PAMD dated May 4 addressed to Mr Sudhir Garg, Director, Department of Commerce, has said: "This proposal cannot be considered by the Commission. I gather from memo that the consent of the Ministry of Agriculture has not been obtained for merger of DCCD (Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development) with Cashew Export Promotion Council (CEPC)."

The Planning Commission, which is said to have agreed to the setting up of the Cashew Development Board earlier, has now come out saying, "in Planning Commission's view merging of a directorate (DCCD), which is a government department outfit, and a council (CEPC), which is an autonomous organisation (not paid from the consolidated fund), is not possible".

The Commission has, therefore, suggested that for creating Cashew Board by merging CEPC with DCCD an inter-departmental meeting involving Department of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture may be held. "In case a consensus does not emerge, then this matter could be taken to the Committee of Secretaries."

Mixed views

The Union Commerce Ministry has, in fact, been trying to create a cashew development board on almost similar lines of other commodities boards, such as for rubber, coir, coconut, coffee, tea and so on, and the only opposition was from the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance at the later stage.

"The Ministry of Finance says it has no money for the Board, while the Agriculture Ministry wants the cashew sector under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)," Mr G.K. Pillai, Union Commerce Secretary, told Business Line early this year.

The Commerce Ministry is interested in setting up of the Board considering the importance of the crop, which is an input for the export processing industry, providing employment to around five lakh workers mostly women in the rural areas, he said.

The export earnings range between Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,800 crore a year.

Given its importance as a major cash crop, with high potential for diversification and commercialisation, its development in a comprehensive manner is inevitable, he said.

"When the other crops/commodities can have Boards why can't cashew," he asked. Fully realising its importance, the Planning Commission has already approved the creation of a Cashew Development Board, Mr Pillai pointed out.

According to official sources, the Planning Commission's latest finding now that CEPC is an autonomous organisation needs to be read along with the fact that the Council (a no-loss no-profit organisation limited by guarantee, registered under Section 25 of Indian Companies Act) was established by the Union Government on August 17, 1955, with active co-operation of the cashew industry to promote exports of cashew and allied products from India.

Export promotion schemes

The Centre has been allocating huge funds under export promotion schemes for implementation through the CEPC during each five-year plan. The allocation for the Eleventh Plan is Rs 19.36 crore. Besides, the Union Commerce Ministry under Assistance to States for Developing of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE) scheme has financed the construction of CEPC Laboratory and R&D centre at Kollam at an estimated cost of Rs 6.06 crore from the Central Component Fund.

Considering the flow of public money into "autonomous bodies allegedly controlled by vested interests" might have compelled the Union Commerce Ministry, the fund provider, to bring it under a Commodity Board to ensure proper monitoring of the fund utilisation, and to ensure transparency in all its activities, said the official sources in Union Agriculture Ministry.

In fact, creation of a Board was initiated after a Committee of Ministers had agreed in principle earlier aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in cashew production, taking research findings to the farmers' field, improving quality of products, processing, marketing and exports, they said.

Creation of the board is unlikely to entail any huge expenditure on the part of the Centre, as it has been proposed to be created by merging the Cashew Development Directorate under the Union Ministry of Agriculture, Cashew Export Promotion Council and its technical division and laboratory supported by the Commerce Ministry. Currently, the Kochi-based Directorate with a mandate to implement certain schemes apart from monitoring the implementation of some of the schemes by State governments is functioning with 50 per cent staff strength.

It is evident from the slow pace of progress achieved in cashew cultivation, even after spending hundreds of crores of rupees in several five-year Plans, that systematic cultivation using scientific methods is still lacking in this sector for want of proper co-ordination and extension services, a growers group said.

Recommendations

Given this situation, official sources said that department-related Standing Parliamentary Committees on Commerce in their 42nd, 46th, 50th, 58th, 65th, 70th and 77th reports recommended formation of a Cashew Board. Others who had made such recommendations are department related Standing Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture; raw nut Committee of Ministry of Commerce in 1960s; Indian Cashewnut Development Council (ICDC) during its functioning period from 1966-1986, in which, the DCCD was functioning as its Secretariat.

Besides, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in its study report on Indian Cashew Industry conducted as part of World Bank aided Multi-state Cashew Project (MSCP) during the period from 1981-86, also recommended the setting up of the Board. Another premier institute which had recommended its creation was the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, in its report on evaluation of cashew development programmes sponsored by the DCCD.

Despite all these recommendations and reports, formation of a unified agency for cashew so far remained a non-starter. "The attitude by certain Ministries in this matter under the pretext of economy in expenditure carry little weight in comparison to the revenue and employment this sector generates," they added.


Source: thehindubusinessline.com

Publication date: 5/25/2009

India: Cashew industry hit by Customs order

Cashew industry has been hit by the direction from the Customs for 100 % open inspection of imported containers at a time when raw
cashewnut import from Africa is in full swing.

Cashew industry sources said that with the Cochin Customs insisting on 100 % open inspection of raw nut import containers for security reasons, over 1000 containers with cashew worth Rs 64 crore have piled up in the port pending clearance. Around 5000 more containers are expected to arrive in two days from Africa, which could worsen the situation.

The industry sources pointed out that it costs Rs 8000 to destuff and then re-stuff the container. Due to continuous rain in the last few days, the raw cashewnuts have been getting wet while destuffing and any delay in taking them to the factory and drying will lead to germination of seeds causing heavy loss to the processor exporters, the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India said in a letter to the chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs.

The exporters have requested for release of imported raw cashewnut containers with a random examination of 10% as otherwise the industry would face a crisis. The Cochin Port Trust too has been talking to the Customs to settle the matter.

India is heavily dependent on raw cashewnut import from Africa for processing and export. The annual import last year touched 6.05 lakh tonnes worth Rs 2631 crore. India exported Rs 2950 crore worth cashew kernels last year.


Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Publication date: 6/2/2009

India: Labour hits Palasa cashew units

Despite switching to the steam-boiling method, cashew operators at Palasa near here are yet to begin operations as workers still prefer units with the drum roasting system.

A worker earns Rs 6 for breaking a kg of cashew nut and can break around 20 kg nuts in a day in the drum roasting method thereby earning around Rs 120 per day. However, in the boiler system, a worker can break only 7-8 kg of nuts a day and, therefore, earns only Rs 40-50 a day.

“Though we are offering Rs 3 more on each kg of nuts, workers still prefer the drum roasting units as they offer better revenue,” K Nooka Raju, former president, Palasa Cashew manufacturers Association, said.

Though the pollution control board had directed all the units to switch to steam-boiling method, a few operators are still using the drum roasting method. “Pollution department officials are taking stringent action against operators in Palasa if they do not convert their processing systems. However, no action is being taken on operations with drum roasting system in other areas of the district,” he said.

There are about 300 cashew processing units in Srikakulam district, of which about 170 are located in Palasa.

In order to check the emission levels caused by the cashew units here, the Andhra Pradesh pollution control board had advised the operators to change the processing system from roasting to steam-boiling. It has also started issuing closer notices to the units failing to comply with the order.

Following this, cashew processing units gradually started switching to the boiler method with the assistance from the government, which is offering a subsidy of 25 per cent on conversion costs.

“Cashew processing units have to invest Rs 5-10 lakh in each unit to change to the boiler method. But now, the units are lying idle due to unavailability of labour even though new crop has started arriving from the last four weeks,” Nooka Raju said.


Source: business-standard.com

Publication date: 5/6/2009

Kenya sees cashew nuts as goldmine; plans to prohibit raw cashew exports

The Kenyan government plans to bring about a regulation on the exportation of raw cashew nuts in order to encourage the progress of local industries and processing factories as well as for the purpose of creating jobs.

For the past several years, the exportation of unprocessed nuts had caused the destabilization of local production and processing, William Ruto, the Agriculture Minister, said.

“This is an industry that used to employ 5,000 Kenyans. Today all those jobs have been lost because we allowed the export of raw nuts. It is against public interest to export unprocessed nuts and that’s why we are seriously considering regulating the exportation of nuts in such a state,” he added.

He did not give a clarification on exactly how this is going to be done; however, it can be safely believed that sale of raw nuts will take place only when the requirement comes up.

Last year, the export of raw cashew nuts had been put under a ban by the government; however, according to the farmers, this was not a sensible move, as they pointed out that the lack of adequate processing capacity in the country would prove that the move, after all, produced no impact.

This was after the downfall of the Kilifi Cashew Nuts Processing Factory (at present the factory has just 20 staff, down from the earlier 3,000) in the early 1990s and the sale that followed to a private company in vague circumstances. This led to a situation where the farmers did not have access to a structured market to sell their produce and, hence, they had to turn to middlemen.

Kenya has about two million cashew nuts trees, and the country’s overall cashew nut production touches a volume of 10,000 Metric Tonnes (MT). Yet, 50 percent of these nuts are marketed in their raw form and only about six percent undergoes local processing.

Ruto, however, reiterated that the government is committed to bringing about a sea change in the nuts industry which has immense potential. The industry is a virtual goldmine waiting to be tapped in that it is capable of producing 120,000 Metric Tonnes of cashew nuts and thus contributing Sh3 billion to the country’s treasury every year. Kenya’s cashew production industry consists of approximately 60,000 farmers, and they are at present getting about Sh260 million in a year from the plantations of the cash crop on 30,000 hectares of land.

For this purpose, the Minister announced that a taskforce consisting of five members will be set up in order to incorporate the views and advices of the stakeholders on the way ahead.


Source: foodbizdaily.com

Publication date: 4/16/2009

Kenya to ban raw cashew nuts exports

The government will regulate the exportation of raw cashew nuts as a way of encouraging the development of local industries, processing factories and job creation.

Agriculture Minister William Ruto told reporters on Thursday that the exportation of unprocessed nuts had for many years undermined local production and processing.

“This is an industry that used to employ 5,000 Kenyans. Today all those jobs have been lost because we allowed the export of raw nuts. It is against public interest to export unprocessed nuts and that’s why we are seriously considering regulating the exportation of nuts in such a state,” he said.

Although he did not specify how this would be done, it is believed that sale of raw nuts will only be done when the need arise.

The government had imposed a ban on raw nuts export last year but this did not go down well with farmers who argued that the move would not have any impact since the country lacks the processing capacity.

This followed the collapse of the Kilifi Cashew Nuts Processing Factory (which now has 20 staff down from 3,000) in the early 1990s and the consequent sale to a private company in unclear circumstances. This meant that the farmers were deprived of a structured market for their produce and they therefore turned to middlemen.

Total cashew nut production stands at 10,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) and comes from approximately two million cashew nuts trees. However, 50 percent of these nuts are sold in raw form while only about six percent is process locally.

Ruto however reiterated the government commitment to turn around the nuts industry which has the potential to produce 120,000 MT and contribute Sh3 billion annually to the country’s coffers. About 60,000 farmers are engaged in the production and they are currently fetching about Sh260 million annually from the cash crop which is planted on 30,000 hectares of land.

Towards this end, the Minister announced the setting up of a five-member taskforce to consolidate stakeholders’ views and advice on the way forward.

The team, which was given two weeks to come up with the recommendations, is among other things expected to propose how the government can own a stake in the Kilifi factory with a view to streamlining its operations.

“They should discuss with the current owners (of the factory) how to create a public private partnership so that government can buy into the plant,” he directed the taskforce members who were present at the press briefing.

The government has in the past put in place measures such as the provision of spraying equipment to farmer and staff training on cashew nut management to revive the industry which have not borne fruits.

Stakeholders however reckon that there is a need to develop a cashew nut policy to guide production, processing and marketing of the crop as well as promote cottage industries in order to add value to the produce.


Source: capitalfm.co.ke

Publication date: 4/29/2009

Mozambique: Cashew nut processing factory expects to double production

Mozambican cashew nut processing factory, Macia Castanha Moçambique (MCM), located in Macia, in Mozambique’s Gaza province, expects this year to process 1,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, the factory’s owner said.

Speaking to Mozambican newspaper Notícias, Mussá Cassamo Mussá said that the unit currently had capacity to process 1,000 tonnes of cashews per year, but that by acquiring electrical machinery production could be doubled.

At the moment MCM has over 500 tonnes of cashews in its warehouses.

He said that the only problem was a lack of work force, adding that this had led to production dropping and contracts not being signed with foreign buyers.

“This is affecting production, and so due to this difficulty I cannot close deals with foreign nut buyers, as we cannot meet the demand from other markets,” said Mussá.

Every year the company exports 100 tonnes of cashew nuts to foreign markets, which is a small amount due to low levels of production.

As well as exporting to South Africa, MCM sells its production on the local market, particularly to wholesalers.

Mussá said that this season had been overshadowed by exporters of unprocessed cashews entering the market, as they had led producers to raise their prices, which makes it difficult for factories to acquire the raw materials.

He added that this year the price of raw cashews had risen substantially, and now stood at 13.5 meticals per kilo.


Source: macauhub.com.mo

Publication date: 4/29/2009

India: Cashew export dips 22% in March

The cashew kernel exports in March declined by 22 per cent to 8,783 tonnes due to slackening demand from the US amid the global slowdown. Exports during March 2008 stood at 11,201 tonnes, according to Cashew Export Promotion Council (CEPC) data.

Cashew exports are affected mainly on account of global economic crisis, as it does not fall under essential commodity, CEPC Secretary, Mr K Sasi Varma said.

The demand has come down considerably from the US, which is battling recession since December 2007, he added.

India exports about 45 per cent of the nut to the US. In terms of value also exports dipped by about 10 per cent to Rs 230.46 crore from Rs 255.72 crore in the same month last year.

In terms of volume, exports for 2008-09 dipped by 5.43 per cent to 1.08 lakh tonnes compared with 1.14 lakh tonnes in the previous fiscal. In value terms it was up by 29 per cent at Rs 2,950.24 crore against Rs 2,288.90 crore a year ago.

To promote the interests of cashew producers and boost consumption of the nut across the world, CEPC is sending a five-member delegation to the US to discuss the modalities for setting up a Global Cashew Alliance, Mr Varma said.

The delegation will also attend the Annual Convention of Association of Food Industries (AFI) at Naples, Florida, from April 30 to May 2.


Source: thehindubusinessline.com

Publication date: 5/1/2009

Kenya: Cashewnut industry set for revival

The government has set up a taskforce to look into ways of revamping the ailing cashew-nut industry in the country.

Agriculture Minister William Ruto who spoke in his office, said the cashew-nut, sub-sector fell victim to unplanned liberalization of the agriculture sector 15 years ago, leading to the collapse of the sub-sector.

Ruto said following the closure of the Kilifi Cashew Nut Factory in Mombasa, over 3,000 jobs were lost together with revenue to the government.

"The cashewnut industry has the potential to employ some 5,000 people and at the same time contribute over Kshs 5 billion to the exchequer," said Ruto.

He said the cashew-nut sub-sector had a turnover of Kshs 2 billion 15 years ago and currently just manages some Kshs 160 million.

Ruto said the sector has the potential to contribute some Kshs 5 billion to the exchequer if well managed. the Minister appointed former MP and Managing Director of Kilifi Cashew Nut Factory, John Safari Mumba to the taskforce.

The others are; Nancy Kabeyeka Abisai, Francis Muniu, Margaret Kavenge Masaku and Nasaro Hada. The taskforce has 14 days in which to present the report to the Minister who said it is the intention of the government to see cashew nut factories up and running before the end of the year.

The Cashew Nut sub-sector met its waterloo following a government policy decision to allow the export of raw cashew-nuts, in effect leading to the closure of the then vibrant Kilifi Cashew Nut Factor in Coast province with others following suit.

The sub-sector has currently 2 million trees that produce 10,200 metric tonnes of cashew nuts this translates into 5.1 kilogram per tree, compared to 30 kilogram per tree if well managed.

80 per cent of the trees are said to be suffering from mildew. Other challenges include lack of a policy for the sub-sector.

Among a raft of proposals the Minister said the government intends to regulate the cashew nut industry by first regulating the sale of nuts.

"traders will not be allowed to export raw cashew nuts, they will only be allowed to sale the produce from farmers to local factories for processing," said the Minister.


Source: kbc.co.ke

Publication date: 5/4/2009

India: Cashew industry in a tight corner

The weakening rupee and short supply from major cashew-growing countries in Africa have pushed up the prices of the raw nuts imported by the Indian cashew-processing industry, sources in the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India here say.

The industry imported raw nuts at Rs.48 a kg in February, when 50,000 tonnes were so brought in, as against Rs.28 a kg between April 2007 and February 2008, sources say.

The unit value realisation for the kernels dropped in the international markets after shooting up to around Rs.380 a kg in mid-2008, in the wake of the ongoing economic recession, which started having an impact from September 2008.

The exports dropped during the current financial year, sources say.

Exports during April-February stood at 99,348 tonnes, valued at Rs.2,719,79 crore ($597.62 million), as against 1,03,139 tonnes, valued at Rs.2,033.18 crore ($505.14 million), in the corresponding period a year ago.

The average unit value realisation during the current fiscal has been Rs.273.76 a kg from the Rs.197.13 a year ago.

Shipments of cashew kernels in February 2009 were 7,968 tonnes from the 8,350 tonnes the corresponding month a year ago, a 4.2 per cent drop.

The unit value realisation dropped from Rs.297 a kg during the last quarter of 2008 to Rs.267 a kg in February this year.

Exports of cashew kernels have become unattractive as the cost of imported raw nuts has gone up. This has also raised the unit value realisation on exports.

Availability of indigenous raw nuts has been stagnant at around six lakh tonnes as against the 12 lakh tonnes the industry requires. The price of raw nuts in the country has gone up to Rs.50-52 a kg and even more in some areas.

The industry has been dependent on imports and unless sustained efforts are made to promote cultivation in wider areas, the prospects of the traditional industry of the State, which employs a large number of skilled workers, will continue to be in the doldrums, sources add.


Source: hindu.com

Publication date: 3/23/2009

Vietnam: Cashew industry faces difficulties

Vietnam earned 104 million USD from exporting 23,000 tonnes of cashew nuts in the first two months of the year, a rise of 6 percent in value and 12 percent in volume over the same period last year.

However, the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) warned cashew exporters of a difficult year as the demand is dropping in a number of major import markets such as the US, Europe and China, lowering the average export price to only 4,200 USD per tonne.

Additionally, total output of raw cashew is predicted to fall to 200,000-250,000 tonnes due to bad weather this year and this means cashew nut export volume will be down to 150,000 tonnes.

In 2008, Vietnam exported 167,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, grossing 920 million USD, becoming the world’s largest cashew nut exporter.


Source: english.vietnamnet.vn



Publication date: 3/24/2009

Vietnam: 10 percent drop in cashew exports forecast on lower demand

Vietnam, the world’s biggest cashew nut exporter, expects a 10 percent decline in overseas shipments this year because of lower demand amid the global recession.

Export of the nut, which accounted for 11 percent of total agricultural exports last year, may reach 150,000 tons in 2009, Nguyen Duc Thanh, president of the Vietnam Cashew Association, said in an interview last week in Ho Chi Minh City.

The cashew industry faces a “very difficult time,” Thanh said.

Orders in February have slid about 50 percent from a year earlier, and export prices may fall 30 percent this year, he said.

While low-quality cashews account for a large part of the country’s crops, customers have ordered mostly high-quality nuts in the first two months of this year, further damaging sales, an association report said.

To make things worse, 85 percent of the country’s 220 cashew processors are ineligible for loans under the government’s loan-subsidy program, Thanh said.


Source: thanhniennews.com

Publication date: 3/9/2009

India: Follow scientific methods, farmers told

Farmers should follow scientific methods for cashew cultivation to increase the yield and fetch more income, said Agriculture University Board of Regent Member S D Sampath Samrajya.

Speaking at the state-level training on cashew crop and Kshethrotsava, organised jointly by the Agriculture Research Centre (Kapikad), Cashew and Cocoa Development Directorate (Cochin), Agriculture Science Centre (Kankanady and Brahmavar), SKDRDP, Horticulture Department and Agriculture Department of Zilla Panchayat here on Monday, he said farmers can reap high yield by following the scientific methods of cultivation. By providing irrigation, one can increase the yield by 30 per cent.

The annual production of cashewnut in Karnataka is less compared to Kerala and Goa. The average production per hectare is 860 kg. However, by following scientific methods, one can get yield of 1,500 kg per hectare. Cashew is grown in 8.6 lakh hectare in the country and the annual production is 6.5 lakh tonne. There is an ample of opportunity for the cashew production in Karnataka. We are producing only 25 per cent of the requirement. Remaining 75 per cent is imported from other countries.

He said the production of cashewnuts should be increased to fetch more foreign exchange. Cashew earns 2000 crore foreign exchange.

Samrajya said in Karnataka cashew production is only 35,000 tonnes compared to its demand of 1,25,000 tonnes. Cashew processing units face shortage of labour, such units must make use of machinery.

Agriculture Research Station (Brahmavar) Assistant Research Director Dr T R Guruprasad said there is lack of information among the farmers on cashew. With less effort and less water, cashew can be grown scientifically.

Cashew is an important horticulture crop. Normally, one can reap 3 to 4 kg cashewnut per plant. However, the seeds developed by the Agriculture Research Centre (Ullal), the yield will be 15 kg per plant.

The annual production of cashewnut in the country is 6 lakh tonne. However, the demand is 15 lakh tonne, he added.

Exhibition

There was an exhibition of cashew juice making machine, cashewnut cutting machine on the occasion. The exhibition also had presentation on cashew production, methods of planting cashew saplings, how to get more yield. As many as 54 varieties of seeds and cashew fruits were on display for the public.

Horticulture College Director Dr J Venkatesh presided. Horticulture department Joint Director Dr Hema, Dr T C Narayana Swamy, Cashew Producers Association President Gopalakrishna Kamath and others were present.


Source: mangalorean.com

Publication date: 3/11/2009

India: Orissa cashew producers ask for facilities to boost export

Cashew producers and processors of Orissa, one of the largest cashew producing states in India, have asked for concrete steps and facilities to improve export of processed nuts from the state. Rajendra Sabat, president of Orissa Cashew Processors' Association, said that although Orissa was the third largest cashew producing and processing state in the country, after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, it has been unable to export abroad. Sabat, said, "If the government creates an environment to export cashew, not only the processors, but also the state could get the benefits."

According to the association, export was not possible due to lack of facilities for proper packaging of the product, robbing it off its export values. "Despite recession, cashew export touched Rs 2,507 crore by January. The major buyers of Indian cashew are the US, Netherlands, Japan and the UK with most of the cashews exported from Kerala and Tamil Nadu," Sabat added.

At present, there are about 240 cashew processing units which produce over 80,000 tonnes of cashew per annum. Most of the processing units are located in southern Orissa districts including Ganjam (80), Gajapati (58) and Koraput (48). Every year, the processing units remained idle for about 3-4 months due to shortage of raw material in the state.

According to state officials, the yield rate of cashew in the state is around 550 kg per hectare, compared to the national average of 650 to 700 kg per hectare. The cashew plantation was in about 1.60 lakh hectares in the state which is sufficient to cater to the need of the processing units, the yield suffered due to poor management of plants.

The association has asked the government to make the boiling processes of cashew for processing mandatory instead of the roasting process. "Several cashew producing states like Andhra Pradesh have already introduced the boiling process. The boiling process is cost-effective and non-polluting." The association also demanded simplification of rules and tax structure on processing units as a processing unit has to obtain a number of certificates.


Source: fnbnews.com

Publication date: 3/11/2009

India claims to be top cashew exporter

Cashew export figures emanating from Vietnam, quoting its Government and other sources, give the impression that it is the top exporter of cashew kernel in the world.

But Indian processors and exporters contest it and say they continue to occupy the top slot.

“They might have overtaken us in pepper but in cashew we still continue to enjoy our position as the top exporter of this tree nut,” said some of the major exporters in Kollam.

They said that the Indian cashew industry (in the organising sector) has the capacity to process around 12 lakh tonnes of raw nuts a year as against Vietnam’s six to seven lakh tonnes.

India imports around 5.5 lakh tonnes of raw cashew nuts a year, while the indigenous production of this raw material comes to about six lakh tonnes, they said.

Therefore, with the processing capacity of 6-7 lakh tonnes of raw nuts a year, it is quite unlikely for them to export 1.65 lakh- to 1.7 lakh tonnes of cashew kernels annually, they claimed.

A recent report quoting Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade sources said “Vietnam is expected to rake in $992 million from exporting 1.65 lakh tonnes of cashew nuts in 2008.

The figures will show a rise of 20.5 per cent in value despite a fall of 8.29 per cent in volume against 2007”.

Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) last week said “in Jan-Nov, the country is estimated to have exported 1.53 lakh tonnes of cashew nuts, earning $859 million, up 10.9 per cent on year in volume and 47 per cent in value, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO)”.

Meanwhile, another report quoting the Head of the Department of Farming, Forest and Fisheries Processing etc. under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said even though the value of cashew exports is expected to decline this year due to the global financial crisis, Vietnam “will export 1.7 lakh tonnes of cashews, worth $900 million, in 2009, 16 per cent lower in value than in 2008”.

Vietnam, according to the Vinacas, has 220 cashew processors with a total capacity of 6-7 lakh tonnes a year. The country exports to 78 markets, including Russia, the US, Japan, Germany, Australia, the UK, the EU and China.

Despite the increase in exports, the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) complained that local cashew nut processing and exporting companies are facing a lot of difficulties such as high lending rates and high import tax.

In January, cashew exporters shipped an estimated 12,000 tonnes, earning $55 million, said the department. Those figures were down 14.3 per cent in volume and 19 per cent in value compared to December 2008.

Nguyen Thai Hoc, Deputy Chairman of the association, was quoted as saying that exporters still had unsold stocks from 2008. The exporters have signed contracts to export 40-50 per cent of total processed cashew output, but there were few long-term contracts.

However, the Indian cashew industry does not seem to accept the export figures appeared in the reports and claimed that cashew kernel exports from Vietnam in 2008 were unlikely to have crossed 1.2 lakh tonnes. Their figures are of the calendar year while ours are for the financial year. But, it won’t make much difference, they said. In 2007-08, India exported 1,14,340 tonnes of cashew kernel (and 7,813 tonnes of cashew nut shell liquid), valued at Rs 2,300 crore ($572 million).

Exports during Apr – Jan 2008-09 were at 91,381 tonnes valued at Rs 2,507.08 crore at an average unit value of Rs 274.35 a kg as against 94,794 tonnes valued at Rs 1,850.71 crore at unit value realisation of Rs 195.23 a kg in the corresponding period last fiscal. Total imports of raw nuts during Apr–Jan 2008-09 stood at 5,39,184 tonnes valued at Rs 2,317.57 crore at an average unit value of Rs 42.98 a kg as against 5,10,434 tonnes worth Rs 1,358.38 crore at the unit value of Rs 26.61 a kg in the same period the previous year, Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPC) sources said.

Indian exporters claimed that India continued to occupy the top slot of exporters of cashew kernels in the world market. Vietnamese figures were on the higher side but, the Vietnam industry does not seem to have claimed as the top supplier of this tree nut in the world market like the way it projects itself as the largest producer and supplier of pepper in the world.


Source: sify.com

Publication date: 3/3/2009

Vietnam: 120,000 tonnes of cashew nuts to be exported this year

Over 200 cashew processing plants have planned to process 550,000 tonnes of cashews, export 120,000 tonnes of cashew nuts to earn US$500 million. The total area under cashew nationwide is now 420,000 hectares with the estimated output of 400,000 tonnes.

Based on the current price of cashew nuts for export being put at around US$4 per tonne and price of offering material cashew on the international market, the buying price determined by the cashew nut processing businesses is around US$600 a tonne of material cashew (equal to VND 10,000 a kilogram) on average.


Source: nhandan.com.vn
Publication date: 2/23/2009

India: ‘NE has great scope for cashew plantation’

The two-day training of trainers on Cashew cultivation and processing, organised by the Central Institute of (Sitting, centre) Rongsentemjen, Director of Horticulture, along with officials of the state horticulture department, officials of CIH, resource persons and farmers at the NRC (Mithun) complex in Jharnapani, Dimapur, on Thursday, February 19. (Morung Photo)

Horticulture (CIH), Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, GoI, Medziphema, got underway today here at the conference hall of the NRC (Mithun), Jharnapani.

Speaking as the chief guest, Director of horticulture, Rongsentemjen said there was great scope to expand areas under cashew in northeastern hilly region, and continued that cashew can organically be grown in this region which can fetch a higher price in the international market. “Since cashew harvesting period overlaps with the onset of rainy season in NEH region, development of suitable nut driers has to be found out to solve the problem of drying of the raw nuts,” he maintained.
Stating that Nagaland and the northeast as a whole has been gifted with unique topography and varied agro-climatic conditions that offer vast resources and scope for the development of horticultural crops, the Director pointed out that the potentialities of these features in the region were yet to be tapped fully.
Referring to the contribution of the northeastern region that was only 10,000 tons in production and that productivity was 640kg per hectare, Rongsentemjen said that the present area under cashew plantation crops in Nagaland was around 1200 hectares, mostly confined to the Chümukedima area of Dimapur, Jalukie area of Peren, Naganimora and Tizit areas of Mon, and Tsürangkong and Yajang areas of Mokokchung.

He also asserted that the region lacked infrastructure facilities, communications and marketing networks and lack of awareness of technical know-how about the importance of horticultural crops. He added that the people of the region had yearned for long for the required support, to enable them to exploit the natural potentials of the region for extensive horticulture and allied activities. However, he continued, physical and financial resources and politico-demographic constraints had handicapped their efforts to exploit the natural potentials of the region.
Subsequently, the Director said the need of the hour for all was to sensitise production patterns to changing conditions of demands. Talking about the training, he said such training of trainers should be a regular feature to enhance production and to encourage the efforts of the growers of the region.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Professor V B Singh, head of department, Horticulture SASRD, NU, while the welcome address was proposed by Tiakum, technical consultant, CIH, and vote of thanks was tendered by Ethel Ngullie, technical consultant, CIH. The resource persons for the two days’ training were Dr. PC Lenka, Associate Director of Research, and Dr. RN Mohapatra, Associate Professor of Horticulture from the Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar. The training was attended by officials of the state horticulture department and farmers.


Source: morungexpress.com

Publication date: 2/20/2009

India: Cashew, pistachio prices down on subdued demand

Cashew and pistachio prices fell by up to Rs 15 per kg in the national capital on Thursday on subdued demand from retailers and stockists amidst increased arrivals from producing belts.

Cashew kernel broken (2, 4 and 8 pieces) declined by Rs 5 each to Rs 230-270, Rs 220-265 and Rs 200-250 per kg respectively, due to lack of buying support. Pistachio hairati and peshawari traded lower at Rs 620-660 and Rs 725-760 against yesterday's close of Rs 630-675 and Rs 730-765 per kg, respectively.

Marketmen said subdued demand from retailers and stockists against increased arrivals from producing belts mainly attributed fall in cashew and pistachio prices in the wholesale dry fruit market.

Meanwhile, prices of other dry fruits ruled steady on scattered deals.

Following were today's quotations Rs per 40 kg:

Almond (California) new Rs 8,800, Almond (gurbandi) Rs 5,000 almond (girdhi) Rs 3,000-3,100 and Abjosh Afghani Rs 6,000-14,000.

Almond kernel in per kg (California) Rs 305-310, almond kernel (gurbandi) (kg) Rs 340-385.


Source: hindu.com

Publication date: 2/20/2009

India: Cashew nut exports likely to fall by 20%

The current global meltdown has hit the country’s cashew farmers, already reeling under heavy competition with cashew producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. According to market estimates there are nearly three lakh cashew farmers in India. As India continues to be the largest exporter of cashew kernels, slackening demand is making producers cut profit margins, which has made importing of low-cost raw cashew nuts a lucrative option.

Official reports with the Cashew Export Promotional Council of India (CPECI) show that cashew kernel exports have dropped marginally from 11.5 lakh tonnes in 2006-07 to only 11 lakh tonnes in 2007-08. But, the year ahead is likely to see a further 20% fall. “Cashews are considered to be a luxury item, so it is one of the first commodities to take a hit in a situation like this,” said Suresh Zantye managing partner of one of the big cashew exporting firms.

India exports cashew mainly to the US and Europe, which are facing a severe economic turbulence. Cashew traders are now looking to develop Asian markets like Japan, Israel and Saudi Arabia. India earns a good amount of foreign exchange by exporting cashew kernels and it ranks second among the cash crops exported. In addition to exports, India is also one of the leading raw cashew consumer, which traders hope will keep their business moving. Although cashew production in the country increased by 6% in 2007-08 to 6.6 lakh tonnes as against 6.2 lakh tonnes in 2006-07; traders point to a significant rise in imports from 5.9 lakh tonnes in 2006-07 to 6.5 lakh tonnes in 2007-08. “The import cost is much lower than buying raw nuts in India,” a leading cashew trader told ET.

Imported raw cashew nuts costs Rs 45 to Rs 48 per kg. As against this the Indian variety commands a higher price ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 55 per kg. “When it comes to cashews most people do not know the quality, it is the price that determines sales,” adds Mr Zantye. According to A S Kamath, president, Goa cashew traders association, lack of availability of high-quality Indian cashew is responsible for such rising prices.

“We have developed technology to increase productivity to meet the rising demand. Unfortunately this is used abroad rather than in India,” he said. With nearly three lakh cashew farmers, Indian productivity has only doubled from three lakh tonne in 1990 to a little over six lakh tonnes in 2008 while global cashew nut production rose from 19.04 lakh tonnes in 2001 to 31.03 lakh tonnes in 2006. The cashew nut production in Vietnam in 2001 was 2.93 lakh tonnes which went up to 9.42 lakh tonnes in 2006. For the corresponding year Indian production went up from 4.50 lakh tonnes to 5.73 lakh tonnes.

In addition to farmers, there are nearly a thousand registered and over 1,200 unregistered SSIs processing raw cashews in the country, all of which face threat of closure with the declining demand. Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra and Orissa are major producers.


Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Publication date: 2/3/2009

Tanzania: Kisarawe embarks on programme to take Coast Region back to `white gold` period

Kisarawe District in Coast Region has embarked on re-introducing cotton growing for cash in ten villages in an effort to eradicate poverty among the crop growers in the area. The District Commissioner, Khanifa Karamagi, said this on Friday here that the villagers would voluntarily start farming the cash crop in pilot projects in ten villages.

They include Kidugalo, Kurui, Gwata, Zegero, Vilabwa, Mitengwe, Mtakayo, Chakenge,Vihingo and Chamalale whereby they would be required to prepare their farms before the beginning of March and start planting at mid of the month.

``We have been assured by the agricultural officers that the climate prevailing in the villages can support the growing of the crop. We, leaders have gone through the area to mobilise the villagers. Those who wish to plant the crop will be supplied with seeds they had been paid 250/- for every kg of cotton they sell. We have given one tonne cotton seeds by the cash crop body to sell to the growers of the crop in the villages,`` she said.

She said that the villagers had been mobilised to grow the crop following President`s Jakaya Kikwete visit to the district in 2007 who advised that the crop should be re-introduced in the region.

She said that her district would join other districts in the region, including Bagamoyo and Rufiji, in the project and also would join others in other regions, including Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Morogoro and Iringa in the Eastern zone in expanding cotton production.

Karamagi said the board had promised to supply farm inputs by credit including chemicals and blowers to the growers, adding that it had further assured that the farmers would get reliable buyers of their crop harvests.

The Coast Region used to produce the best cotton in the world--then known as the white gold.

Cashew nuts is the leading cash crop in the district, however, the growers face financial difficulties from time to time after because they have no reliable market for their produce.


Source: ippmedia.com

Publication date: 2/4/2009