Mozambican Women Catalyze Change in the Cashew Industry

Traditionally in Mozambique, men are responsible for generating and managing income for the household, while women are responsible primarily for domestic affairs. However, MozaCajú, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supporting production, processing and marketing of cashew along the entire value chain, is working to change that by supporting female cashew farmers to become more actively involved in agricultural activities and livelihoods.

MozaCajú recognizes that investing in women has a large impact on the economic and social well-being of the household and community. Therefore, the project has made deliberate efforts to reach out to women to include them in various roles along the value chain. Female farmer promotion agents, for example, have contributed to an increase in cashew nut yields and incomes by helping to teach farmers new production techniques. Meanwhile, female nursery owners have helped increase the sustainability of the cashew industry by promoting new planting.

Teaching best practices in their communities

Gilda practices teaching at a training on crop protection.

Fatima Mussa and Gilda Jose are two cashew farmers from neighboring districts in Cabo Delgado province, a predominantly cashew-producing region. Fatima is from Mueda, a district in the interior, and Gilda is from the coastal district of Mocîmboa da Praia. In 2014 these women were chosen to become two of MozaCajú’s 179 farmer promotion agents, “promoters” for short. A promoter is a cashew farmer who is trusted and known in his or her community and who works on behalf of MozaCajú to deliver technical assistance on cashew production to other farmers. Being a promoter is an important and challenging job – it is essentially the role that agricultural extension workers have in many other parts of the world.

MozaCajú has specific criteria for promoters, including attainment of a certain level of schooling and literacy, as well as approval from the community. The majority of MozaCajú’s promoters are male, but around 20 percent are female. Gilda and Fatima were chosen by fellow farmers because of their education levels and their active participation in the community.

Over the past two years, these women have joined other MozaCajú promoters in trainings on techniques for improved cashew production, such as cleaning, pruning, harvesting and post-harvest techniques. They have traveled to centralized locations for these trainings, which strive to foster peer learning within the group.

These trainings have provided opportunities for promoters to get out of their own communities in order to meet other farmers. This has been particularly important for the female promoters, as they get few opportunities to travel to new districts. The trainings also allow them to establish an informal network of other female farmers to share best practices.  As Gilda and Fatima have been attending the same training sessions since 2014, they have come to know and learn from one another despite living about 55 miles apart – a large distance in a rural area.

The real work of the promoter, however, begins when they return to their communities. As promoters, these women are responsible for disseminating new knowledge and information to other cashew farmers – who are organized in groups of 20 to 30 people – through the help of materials such as field manuals and posters.

Through MozaCajú, promoters like Gilda and Fatima are reaching over 23,000 cashew farmers with these new and improved production techniques. The farmers they have trained have seen a 31 percent increase in productivity and a 71 percent increase in farmer income.

The experience of being a promoter has had a positive impact on the women as well. They have learned how to organize their community and communicate important information to large groups of people – skills that most rural Mozambican women do not have an opportunity to develop.

Seeding equality in her nursery

A few hundred miles south from Gilda and Fatima, Mariamo Agy works as a cashew farmer and nursery owner in the Angoche district of Nampala province.

In early 2014, Mariamo and her husband Carlos, who is a MozaCajú promoter, decided that she would attend MozaCajú nursery trainings being held in a nearby village. Mariamo learned how to establish and run a nursery, including techniques for grafting seedlings. Following the training, she received the necessary materials in order to begin her work as a nursery owner.

Mariamo tends to her cashew seedlings

"I learned in the MozaCaj training that for better production, I should select the plants with the desirable characteristics and later remove scions for grafting,” Mariamo explained. “Thus, at the time of production, I select and mark the plants with the best characteristics… ensuring that the new plants have high productive potential.”

Last year, Mariamo produced more than 3,800 seedlings that successfully germinated. She sold these seedlings for a total income of MZN 30,460, or approximately $550, a large sum in rural Mozambique where the GDP per capita is less than $600.

Declining productivity of cashew trees with limited re-planting, has been one of the greatest challenges for Mozambican cashew farmers. Mariamo recognizes that establishing nurseries which can enable the planting of new trees is an investment in the future and an important way to ensure the sustainability of the cashew nut industry. Mariamo’s business is one of 85 MozaCajú-supported nurseries that have enabled the planting of over 400,000 seedlings in local communities.

Mariamo loves her work in the nursery so much that she hopes to teach it to the whole family. “Not only did I earn money that I did not earn before, I also gained skills and a profession that, besides generating income, I hope to teach my children in order to continue to serve communities through the provision of cashew tree seedlings and other fruit trees,” Mariamo said.

Mariamo stands in front of her new house with a tin roof.

In fact, Mariamo taught Carlos how to graft and plant. The couple even says that Mariamo has “employed” her husband as a worker in the nursery. Mariamo and Carlos have already experienced the positive impact that a dual income has on the household. “With the revenue I earned, I proposed to my husband that we make home improvements,” Mariamo said. “Since the house we had was thatch-roofed, it was always susceptible to catching fire at any moment especially because of the seasonal, uncontrolled fires.”

With their nursery income, Mariamo and Carlos were able to construct a new home with a corrugated tin roof, and also buy and install solar panels to provide electricity during the night. In addition to being less vulnerable to wild fires and having a dry home during the rainy season, the new electricity will help their three children study.

Through their dedicated work over the past few years, these three strong women – Mariamo, Gilda and Fatima – have been contributing to a larger movement that is revitalizing the Mozambican cashew nut industry. Their many successes in promoting adoption of good agricultural practices and re-planting of cashew trees highlight how women in Mozambique can be empowered to play a leading role in agricultural value chains, thus contributing to the economic well-being of their households and communities.

Source: http://www.technoserve.org

India largest importer of almonds from US: Official

India has emerged as the largest importer of almonds from the US during August 2016 to February 2017, a senior Almond Board of California official said here today.

During the crop year 2015-16, India had stood third behind China and Spain, in terms of such imports from the US at 126 million pounds.

"From August 2016 to February this year, we have already shipped 120 million pounds, which is 59 per cent growth. That has propelled India to become the largest export destination for California almonds (overtaking China and Spain)," the Almond Board of California's (ABC's) Regional Director, India, Sudarshan Mazumdar told PTI.

The ABC looks at India as a market of great potential and importance. This is a reason for the board to continue to invest in resources to run and support an active marketing, trade and market access programme in the country, he said.

"This year, the market is growing and we expect the import figures (for India) to grow further and we are expecting that within this year or next year, we see a demand for 166 million pounds," Mazumdar said.

Almonds offer a lot of health benefits and it is good for heart and weight management and also in controlling diabetes, he said.

"It has got very strong nutrient profile in terms of highest anti-oxidants amongst nuts. The Board aims to build awareness around the multiple nutritional benefits of consuming almonds every day post validating them through learnings obtained from various nutrition researchers," the Regional Director said.

As part of the India programme, the ABC engages with consumers, health care professionals, importers, food companies, government and regulatory agencies to educate on health benefits of almonds.

According to Mazumdar, California grows over 82 per cent of the world production of almonds followed by Australia.

"One-third of almond production in the US is consumed within the country and Canada, and the rest is exported to 90 countries," he added.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Not everyone laughs

The price of raw cashew in the crop of 2017 is very high, about 50,000 VND / kg, if it is dry, 60,000 VND / kg - Nguyen Anh Tuan, Hamlet 5, Hoa Hoi Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, said. At the same time last year at 38,000 VND / kg live. Generally, in 2 years, the prices of cashew in the country are very high compared to previous years. At this price, cashew growers can survive with cashews. However, this year, not everyone wins the season, winning the price as Mr. Tuan (average productivity of his 6 hectares is about 3.5 tons / ha).

The rainy season before and after the Lunar New Year in 2017, combined with the weather, the fog, fog and high humidity affected the season is quite clear. Pests grow much. With experienced caregivers like Tuan, treatment to overcome pests is not too difficult. But with a large part of the growers, especially in the non-key provinces of cashew such as Da Te, Cat Tien, Da Hoai (Lam Dong) or Tanh Linh (Binh Thuan) Experienced people were severely damaged. According to engineer Phan Van Dau, cashew expert, the damage from pests and diseases is up to 70% - 80% of production.

After the survey of Dong Phu, Bu Dang, Bu Gia Map and Phu Rieng districts (Binh Phuoc province - the area with the highest production area and quality of raw materials), Vietnam Cashew Nut (Vinacas) The pest is not raging as much as other localities, but the 2017 season is delayed by 1.5 months due to the shortened dry season, heavy rains in the dry season, slow down the decomposition process. Young shoots and flower buds. The nine-month forecast period is from late February to mid-March and lasts until the end of April. In general, the harvest is late, yields are also lower. According to engineer Phan Van Dau, most of the areas damaged by pests have been supported by provinces spraying pesticides, but survived the area of severe damage, the people left behind Spraying, will be the outbreak can burst into the following season. This is a must to take measures to prevent.

The biggest limitation of the cashew industry is the reliance on imported raw materials. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development together with the cashewnut production enterprises of Vinacas has carried out "cooperating with farmers" with the project "Grafting improvement - intensive cultivation", to bring productivity From less than 1 ton / ha to 2 ton / ha. At present it has reached 1.4 tons / ha, but there are many models yield up to 3-4 tons / ha. The target is that by 2020, cashew production in Vietnam will reach 600,000 tons of raw cashew nuts or more. Of course, this harvest can not completely replace imported raw materials, but it does not depend too much. For the past 3 years, the cashew area has been reduced, as the cashew yields have been gradually increased by the collection, selection and crossbreeding of suitable cultivars for each area, indicating that the direction is right. . Because only when the cashew grower's income is able to compete with other crops in place can it be said that keeping the area of the thing exists, before it comes to expansion. It should also be noted that the unusual weather story leading to pests appear and spread over time shows that there must be strong and professional extension staff in terms of expertise to promptly advise people to take measures. Appropriate response.

Source: SGGGP Newspaper

IVC: Rising cashew demand fuels smuggling from Ivory Coast

Rising demand for cashew nuts has fueled smuggling from Ivory Coast to Ghana and other countries, damaging the quality of exports from the world's top producer, farmers and exporters said on Tuesday.

Ivory Coast is on track to produce a record 715,000 tonnes of raw cashews this year thanks to good weather, but exporters estimate that about 100,000 tonnes, including the best-quality nuts, could be smuggled out of the country.

Cashews are primarily smuggled to Ghana and in smaller amounts to Burkina Faso and Mali. Smuggling happens every year but has grown more profitable, and thus more common, this season, farmers said.

Ghana does not tax cashew exports, while Ivory Coast charges 85 CFA francs ($0.14) per kilogram. Transit costs in Ivory Coast are also double those in Ghana, an Ivory Coast-based exporter said.

"The government has to do something about this quickly ... All the quality material is going to neighboring countries (illegally)," the exporter said. "It's putting the entire sector in danger."

He estimated that nearly 40,000 tonnes of cashews have crossed the borders already and that about 100,000 tonnes will be smuggled out this season.

Another exporter estimated that 120,000 tonnes are smuggled out each year, but said it was too soon to know for this season.

Cashew prices have increased in Ivory Coast and elsewhere on demand that has been rising for several years.

Ivory Coast's government set a minimum farmgate price of 440 CFA francs per kg for the 2017 marketing season, which began in mid-February, up from 350 CFA francs last year.

But farmers said they are making 650 to 800 CFA francs per kg, and in eastern regions the nuts are being resold to Ghanaian buyers for 900 to 1,000 francs per kg.

In the eastern region of Abengourou, even cocoa farmers are smuggling cashews, farmers said.

Ivory Coast was already the world's top cocoa producer before passing India to become the top cashew producer in 2015.

"Cocoa farmers are organizing to buy (cashews) around Bondoukou and sell them to the Ghanaians. Every day there are dozens of trucks that cross the border," said Lambert Koffi, a cocoa farmer in Abengourou.

An official at a major export company said the high demand is driven primarily by India and Vietnam, which buy the majority of cashew exports from Ivory Coast.

(Additional reporting by Joe Bavier; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by David Goodman)

Source: http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN16S29Y

Export kernel: When the partner is also the opponent

By the end of February, businesses (DN) exported nearly 31,500 tons of cashew nut, turnover of more than 286 million. Despite declining 9.9 per cent in output, the Vinacas added 8.7 per cent in value over the same period in 2016, when the average export price was up to $ 9.5 per ounce. / Kg, with the Chinese market of $ 11 / kg W320.

Competition by technology

In addition to the traditional and important markets of China, in 2016, the United States becomes the largest market for cashew nuts in Vietnam, with $ 1 billion out of $ 3.2 billion in cashew nut exports. Vietnam. Explaining this, Nguyen Duc Thanh, chairman of Vinacas, said that after the factory inspections, US importers found that Vietnam is the supplier of kernel food safety compared with Other countries such as India, Brazil (also manual labor in many stages, like Vietnam before). Of the total world raw cashewnut output of about 7 million tonnes, Vietnam produces 1.5 million tonnes (2016), accounting for about 50% of its output and for 12 years it is the world's top cashew exporter after overcoming Via India. Therefore, countries with the demand for cashew imports are thinking of Vietnam.

The Vietnam cashew industry is competitive in the world market because the enterprises own processing technology. This is probably the only sector that Vietnam can export equipment and technology. This is the result of the link between processing enterprises with mechanical enterprises over the past 20 years, gradually creating "brand" of cashew processing technology. Although Vietnam is not the world's first processing country like Brazil or the first in Asia like India, Vietnamese companies have rapidly adopted and improved to improve and step by step perfect the technology. Many of the equipment manufactured by Vietnamese mechanical enterprises in most processing stages (sorting, steamed, split, peeled, etc.) are considered equal or preferable to imported equipment; Especially the shredding of raw shells, the equipment has been imported by importers instead of buying from the world famous processors such as Oltremare of Italy.

Thanks to automation in most parts, labor costs in the industry decreased and productivity increased. According to Vinacas, to process 30,000 to 40,000 tons of raw cashew, only 200-300 workers instead of 3,000-4,000 workers as before. The productivity of processing cashew industry through Vietnam's heavyweight rivals is India or Brazil. Creating large domestic value added, mastering technology and high competitiveness, the industry is the exception of Vietnam's agro-industry, which is known for its rough exports and low competitiveness.

There is still potential danger

According to Vinacas, more and more domestic and foreign companies are joining in, investing cashew processing establishments in Vietnam in both the South and the North, especially some of them have grown up along the bordered areas. With China. The trend of M & A is getting stronger and stronger. According to Nguyen Duc Thanh, the fact that some large processing enterprises are interested in investing more in the field of cashew nut and cashew nut trade, instead of focusing on deep processing, will have the potential to disturb the market. The impact on the cashew sector has been significant. That is the risk inside.

But the industry has potential risks from the outside. It is too much reliance on imported raw materials. In 2016, out of roughly 1.5 million tons of processed cashew, 1.06 million tons were imported. The largest importers are West Africa and especially Ivory Coast, while these countries have a policy of building a local cashew processing plant, including involving experts from Vietnam. Like buying equipment and technology from Vietnam. The tendency of these countries to restrict the export of raw cashew nuts is through the imposition of a 10% tariff, and then proceeds to ban the export of raw materials, as Vietnam has done over 20 years ago. Therefore, the domestic material initiative is the policy pursued by the State to replace the set of varieties to improve yield, yield and cashew growers. However, Vinacas said that besides being a big partner, China is also the biggest potential rival of Vietnam's cashew industry in the coming time.

China is a traditional market and as important as the US market, as it is close to the border, so that trade is far more favorable (India or African countries, including Brazil, can not compete). For long, the Chinese know the true quality of the Vietnamese cashew, especially in Binh Phuoc. Chinese entrepreneurs are taking steps, such as building two processing plants in Ivory Coast, the world's largest crude raw material producer in Africa, and recently building three homes. Large capacity processing machines in three provinces bordering China in Lao Cai, Cao Bang and Lang Son. Although the owner is named Vietnamese, but everyone understands who is behind. Therefore, the cashew industry, especially the enterprises themselves as well as the association, can not be subjective with the dominant advantages of the Vietnamese cashew industry, when the strength of Chinese businessmen are commercial skills and experience Than Vietnamese businessman.

By mastering most of the technology and equipment produced locally, the remaining issues are better interconnections, which help to increase not only the processing capacity, but also the quality of the guarantee. There is no cross-contamination in terms of food safety, thanks to overcoming the gaps between incomplete phases.

Source: SGGP Newspaper

Cashew industry: Encouraging deep processing and sustainable export

In order to maintain the leading position in the processing and export of cashew, Vietnam Cashew Association encourages enterprises to deepen processing, cleaner production, develop the domestic market, expand the export market. sew.

This time is the main season of Vietnam. Recent surveys of experts and the Vietnam Cashew Association in the main cashew growing areas in our country show that due to the impacts of climate change and pests, some areas of Lam Dong and Binh Thuan provinces Cashew production decreased by 80% over the previous year. However, the main cashew growing areas such as Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai or Ba Ria-Vung Tau ... cashewnut production is almost unchanged, so overall, .

Currently, cashew producers are actively purchasing local cashew nuts for farmers at a 30% increase in purchasing prices over the same period last year. In Binh Phuoc, "capital" of cashew, fresh cashew is purchased up to 46,000 VND / kg.

According to the Vietnam Cashew Association, each year the world produces 3 million tons of raw cashew nuts and this year's forecast remains at that level. In 2016, Vietnam processed 1.5 million tons of raw cashew, equivalent to 50% of global output and exported 348,000 tons of cashew nuts of all kinds, earning 2.84 billion USD.

In the first two months of 2017, export cashew nut was $ 255 million, down 3.3% over the same period of 2016 (down 19.7% in volume).

According to the Vietnam Cashew Association, the decline in export value is not due to the market, but because enterprises have a long Lunar New Year holiday, the export activities are also interrupted in the interval. this time. It is forecasted that in the first 6 months of 2017, the output of cashew exports fell slightly compared to the same period last year.

In order to maintain the leading position in the processing and export of cashew, in 2017, Vietnam Cashew Association encourages enterprises to deepen processing, cleaner production, develop the domestic market, Expand the export market.

The Vietnam Cashew Association has cooperated with a number of major cashew growers associations in Africa to assist Vietnamese businesses in disputes as well as to reduce the status of delivery companies. On time, or quality does not guarantee for Vietnamese enterprises.

The Vietnam Cashew Association also warns its member businesses not to advance money to partners, but performs transactions through L / C through banks.

Besides, in order to develop the cashew industry sustainably, besides speeding up processing and improving product quality, it is necessary to take initiative in domestic raw materials.

Cashew industry is being strengthened by MARD and local authorities in terms of concern and development. Accordingly, the area of the country is expected in the coming time will be over 350,000 hectares with the expected yield of more than 2 tons per hectare. With this, in the future, domestic raw materials can meet more than 700,000-800,000 tons per year.

According to experts, to achieve the above objectives, the production of cashew varieties for high productivity, good quality should be done immediately. Businesses and associations need to strengthen collaboration with MARD's seed breeding centers to experiment, find good varieties, and weather the weather.

Source: Government Electronic Portal

Cashew generates US$244.5m in export revenue

Mon Mar 20 2017

The total export revenue realized from cashew in 2016 was US$244,500,000, making the commodity the leading non-traditional crop export revenue generator.

The President of the Ghana Cashew Industry Association, Winfred Osei Owusu, disclosed this to the Business and Financial Times on the sidelines of a field visit to cashew farms at Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region.

He said the quantity of raw cashew nuts exported from the country in 2016 was 163,000 metric tonnes, which positions Ghana as one of the leading exporter of the commodity onto the international market.

Ghana produces between 50,000 to 70, 0000mt of raw cashew nuts annually, but it exports far more than that figure. Mr. Owusu attributed it to the conducive business environment in the country, thus making Ghana a preferred destination in the Sub-Region for cashew traders across the world.

Checks by the B&FT revealed that most of the exporters buy cashew from Cote d’Ivoire via border posts at Sampa andAtuna in the Brong Ahafo Region. Though the Ivorian government in 2013 banned trans-border trade of cashew, but the desperate traders are able to manoeuver their way out.

He urged the government to capitalise on Ghana’s competitive edge in the cashew tradeas well as the hot demand for the commodity on the international market to develop the industry into a more viable avenue for economic transformation.

“There is over two million metric tonne demand gap on the international market. Ghana can take advantage of this huge opportunity once we have the glaring potential to do so. Currently, cashew trades better than cocoa on the international market. In the last 5-6 years, the price of cashew has increased by 700% and it is still rising,” he indicated.

He said cashew is selling (FOB) on the international at US$2,200 per metric tonne as against cocoa which is pegged at US$2,100 at the same quantity. “Consistently, cashew has over the past six years seen price increase worldwide, so the trend shows that it is a crop that can generate more revenue when giving the necessary support.”

Current state of cashew industry

Of the 13 cashew processing factories in the country, only three are currently operational, the rest have all shut down. The three factories in business are those owned by foreigners. The total installed capacity of the 13 factories is around 62,000 metric tonnes but the utilization level is only 15,000 metric tonnes.

High cost of cashew raw nuts (RCN) is prominent among the factors that have forced all the Ghanaian-owned processing plants to shut down. The price of RCNper kilogramme is US$1.56 equivalent to GH¢7 while a metric tonne price hovers around US$1,555.

Other factors militating against the cashew industry include lack of access to working capital and elusiveness of modern technology and equipment by industry players.

Mr. Owusu stated that cashew as an export crop provides a very good avenue for the government to make more revenue from it. As a rural economic transformational commodity which has attract about twelve companies to the Brong Ahafo Region,this is one area the government can look at by assisting such companies under its ‘One district, one factory’ initiative to create more jobs;cashew is also perfect for the planting for food and jobs policy, he added.

Financing of cashew industry

On his part, an industry player, John Addauay lamented at the prevailing interest rates, saying they are inimical to the growth of the industry.” He said ‘if you have a strategic crop that can create employment and bring development to rural areas and sub-urban drift; I think it is worth for government to institute soft concessionary loan package for a period of about 4-5 years.’

He also called for a ‘push’ to get the cashew fruit processed into drinks or food. The focus has always been on the nuts but the fruit which is about five times the quantity of nuts goes waste. This can generate more income for the farmers when processed, he stated.

Mr. Anthony Kwaku Adu, National President of Cashew Farmers Association proposed the reintroduction of cashew development project which was implement from 2001to 2009 by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He said the development of cashew in the country now is the fruit of that project. “Framers are ever prepared to cultivate more with the little support from the government.”

Source: http://www.ghanaweb.com/

New U.S. tax plan seen impacting Vietnam exports

March 14, 2017

The BAT, if implemented, would cause significant disadvantages for countries exporting goods to the U.S., including Vietnam, said the report, which was prepared and distributed by MarketIntello and the Development and Policies Research Center (DEPOCEN). The March report was released after Trump’s first address to Congress last week.  He once again mentioned his plan to adjust tax policy in order to increase revenues from imports and encourage firms to invest and produce domestically.

The BAT is part of this tax adjustment package. America is Vietnam’s biggest market, the report said. It quoted figures of Vietnam’s General Department of Customs as saying that shipments to America made up nearly 22% of Vietnam’s total exports last year, the highest in more than 10 years. Statistics of the department showed Vietnam’s export revenue amounted to US$176.63 billion last year, up 9% over 2015, and enjoyed a trade surplus of over US$2.52 billion.

Vietnam got US$38.46 billion from export sales to America, leaping 14.9% year-on-year; followed by the European Union (EU) with US$33.97 billion. The report pointed out effects of the BAT on Vietnamese exports would rely on a number of factors.  It said given declining domestic demand, Vietnam’s economic growth this year should depend heavily on international trade.

Meanwhile, rising prices of raw materials at the beginning of the year could make inroads into corporate profits as companies are unable to shift the burden of rising prices to domestic consumers if the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) tightens monetary policy to curb a recurrence of high inflation. The report said that with a share of about 42%, apparel and footwear were the most important goods Vietnam exported stateside, followed by mobile phones and accessories with a share of 11% and wooden products with 7%. “These products are inputs for industries that are most affected by a BAT by strongly relying on imports. Generally, it will strongly depend on the substitutability of imported and U.S. domestic products as well as how U.S. consumers will react to increasing prices of imported goods,” the report said.

The report noted for Vietnam’s top export earners, products such as garments and electronic products could hardly be substituted by U.S. home products.  “As a consequence, it can be expected that importing companies such as retail giant Walmart will pass on increasing prices to consumers and, thereby, rising inflation. Consumer reaction then will determine the change to import demand and, hence, Vietnamese exports in the short-run,” the report said.

To deal with the BAT, exporting countries are expected to use monetary policy to weaken their currencies against the U.S. dollar to maintain the competitiveness of their exports as a counter-measure to the 20% border tax. However, the report said the SBV is unlikely to devalue the Vietnamese dong currency much since it could pile pressure on inflation.

“As a consequence, Vietnamese products should lose their competitiveness on international markets. An actual implementation of a BAT, thus, will raise pressure on the SBV to take action to tame inflation and make room for a quicker depreciation of the Vietnam dong.” With the appreciating greenback and a possible rate hike made by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), the dong-dollar exchange rate could be revised upwards by VND200, according to the report.

In addition, as Vietnam’s economic performance in February was within expectation, it is projected that the country’s economy would expand 6.3% with a bigger contribution by the recovering agricultural sector and inflation would grow 4.3-4.5%. Interest rates throughout 2017 could be maintained at their 2016 levels, helped by efforts of the SBV and the Government.  Nevertheless, given the pressure from U.S. interest rate hikes, the SBV may make Vietnam dong rate hikes to stabilize the exchange rate. The Vietnam dong is projected to fall 1.5-2% against the dollar owing to Vietnam’s stable trade balance, positive capital account and higher foreign exchange reserves.

However, the report said it is difficult to predict the movement of the dong/dollar exchange rate in 2017 now since it is heavily dependent on U.S. economic policies during Trump’s presidency.

Source:http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/174461/new-u-s--tax-plan-seen-impacting-vietnam-exports.html

What is the price, the farmer is still white

March 18, 2017

Thanh, who owns 3ha thing in Bu Dang (Binh Phuoc), said that 3 years now the garden does not give the sum but still good harvest. Particularly this year the weather is not favorable, many frosts cause the rate of fruit is as low as ever, the area seems lost. Likewise, Mr. Chuong's house has 4 hectares, but only 3 days after harvest. "In previous years, our garden collected a few tons, but this year was up to 40,000-45,000 VND per kilogram, it was a crop failure, many trees almost no fruit, so the output plummeted," said Chu.

The act of modifying the hand valve

This year the weather is not favorable to the loss of the season. Not only farmers in Binh Phuoc suffer crop failure but in Ba Ria-Vung Tau or Binh Thuan, farmers are also having difficulty with this year's article. Tam, one of the long-term growers in Binh Thuan, said that the family has 2 hectares but this year is almost broken. Because according to him, the beginning of what is flowering flowers are contrary to the rainy season, the frosts caused the flower pods are damaged can not be fruit, but the beans are also fall off gradually.

Currently, Binh Thuan has about 18,000 ha, mainly concentrated in three districts Duc Linh, Tanh Linh and Ham Tan. In which, Duc Linh is the area with the largest area of ​​the province with more than 10,000 ha, concentrated in the communes of Pu Pu, Sung Nhon, Duc Hanh, Tan Ha ... According to the Agriculture Department, up to now, Damage 80-90%.

Also in Binh Phuoc, Bu Dang has the largest cashew area of ​​nearly 60,000 hectares. Initially, there were more than 865 hectares of pest infestation, while others were dry. Nguyen Duc Thanh, Chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas), said that this year, the situation of crop failures is worse than that of every year. Vinacas survey in the provinces showed that many gardeners lost a lot, others only reached 40%, where high also only reached 70% yield compared to the same period. Overall, this season's crop failures and yield reductions of up to 50%. Therefore, many processing enterprises have to reduce capacity.

In the first two months of this year, the amount of cash spent on exports has decreased by 70% over the same period. Many enterprises have to import more raw materials in the year to produce for the import market. In the first two months of this year, the export of the commodity items reached 26,000 tons, equivalent to $ 232 million, down 26.2% in volume and 12% in value over the same period of 2016.

"The world price of foodstuffs increased over the same period last year, the average price of US $ 9.5 per kilogram, and crude $ 1,800 per ton. Cashew is shortage, so if you import more from abroad, the price of finished products may change, "Thanh said.

As a specialist in this field, Nguyen Van Lang said, in fact, domestic raw materials are not enough export, only reached 400,000 tons and imported from the Ivory Coast. This year despite the price but the people lost season, it is expected that raw materials will import more than every year. With this situation, if this year's output of domestic cashew fell by 100,000 to 200,000 tons, businesses will have to import 700,000-800,000 tons to serve processing for export.

Hong Chau

Source: VNEXpress

Government to regulate cashew industry to stimulate development

Fri Mar 17 2017

Government has reiterated its commitment to streamlining the cashew industry to make it an economic driving force in the country by establishing a ‘Cashew Development Authority,’ an apex regulatory body to spearhead the agenda.

Mr. Kwaku Asoma Cheremeh, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister who made the statement said the Authority will among others ensure an increase in production, regulate prices and rekindle the processing sector through the revival of distressed cashew processing companies as well as the establishment of new ones with a guaranteed supply of raw cashew nuts to ensure uninterrupted processing cycle.

“Government is poised to transform the cashew industry like cocoa. Farmers will receive agro inputs such as fertilizer and improved seeds. Processors will also enjoy the necessary industrial enabling environment to thrive,” he said.

The cashew sector, especially processors has been battling with many challenges, making the sector unattractive. Of the 13 cashew processing companies in the country with a total installed capacity of about 6,200 metrict tonnes, only three are currently in business with a utilization level of 15,000 mt.Matters such as inadequate supply of raw nuts and skyrocketing price have forced many processors out of the industry.

The Regional Minister gave the assurance when the Chief of Suma Traditional Council paid him a working visit. The Chiefs used the occasion to officially congratulate him on his appointment and also drew his attention to some pressing issues within the Suma traditional jurisdiction.

The Paramount Chief of Suma, Odeneho Dr. Affram Brempong III appealed to the government to locate the headquarters the proposed Cashew Development Authority in Sunyani. He said “once the Brong Ahafo Region is the hub of cashew, it would not be out of place to station the head office of the Authority in Sunyani. This will facilitate proper decentralized operation of the regulatory body.”

He also called on the government to continue with all ongoing infrastructural projects. He bemoaned abandoning of infrastructural projects like roads as a result of change in government as ‘nuisance’ and such occurrence must not repeat itself.

The Paramount Chief said Suma Traditional Authority has allocated 4-miles square of land for a proposed campus of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) at Suma-Ahenkro, adding “we have already moulded 20,000 blocks for the project and we appeal for government’s support.”

Odeneho Brempong announced that the Traditional Council has also released a 100-acre piece of land for the establishment of a cashew processing factory under the canopy of government’s ‘one district, one factory’ initiative.

In response, Mr. Cheremeh thanked the chiefs for their kind gesture and pledged the government’s commitment to ensure equitable distribution of the national cake. He added that government will ensure the completion of all existing projects as well as initiate more at places where needed.

Source: http://www.ghanaweb.com/

Chile will produce about 19,000 tons of European hazelnuts

March 16, 2017

Eugenio Ulrici, the manager of Agrichile, made a positive projection about the Chilean hazelnut sector's production at the Annual Meeting of the Producers of European Hazelnut, recently held in Talca's Spanish Stadium. It was attended by more than 200 producers from the regions of Maule and Biobio.

"We estimate that Chile will produce about 19 thousand tons of hazelnut in 2017, thus, deepening the growth trend of recent years," said the representative of the subsidiary of the Italian group Ferrero. He later added that last year Chile had produced more than 16 thousand tons of hazelnuts.

The region of Maule produced nine thousand of these tons. Maule has more than six thousand hectares planted with hazelnut, and around 150 producers of this nut, which is mainly used to produce sweets and bakery products, and is the raw material for Ferrero's products, such as Nutella and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

He also stressed that the domestic market, which knew little about the hazelnut in 1991, when Agrichile was created, had been expanding and growing for several years.

To promote this culture, "The company established agreements with foreign producers and implemented a nursery system to grow plants and sell them at cost price to the people who were interested in cultivating European hazelnuts. As a result, producers became aware of the product, the sector and the crop developed in the country, and Chile began to shine on the international markets," the executive stated.

In this context, the manager said that the regions of Maule, Bio Bio, and La Araucania were very important for this market, mainly because of their climatic conditions and because they "have proven that they are interested in increasing their production capacity, as they concentrate the greatest number of hectares planted with this product."

In this regard, he added, Maule plays a fundamental role, as Agrichile has 2,660 hectares planted in Curico, Rio Claro, San Rafael, and Parral. Agrichile also has a nursery, a drying and husking plant in this region "it is our most important investment in recent years," he said.

Growth

During the meeting, Camillo Scocco, the general manager of Agrichile, stated "the continued growth we're having, particularly since 2010 when we produced a little more than 2,000 tons, makes us extremely satisfied and demonstrates the tremendous potential that Chile has regarding hazelnut production."

Scocco said Chile currently had more than 15,000 hectares planted with hazelnuts and that they expected there would be more than 20,000 hectares by the end of 2017. He also said that, if the sector continued the same sustained growth of recent years, Agrichile was sure that the country would become one of the largest exporters of hazelnuts worldwide.

International market

Eugenio Ulrici said the European hazelnut had a huge demand in the international markets. Proof of this is that, since 2010 all the hazelnut produced is consumed without exception, at least when it comes to the high quality product that can be obtained in Chile. Thus, he added, "it is essential that Chile's hazelnut sector continues to grow."

The price of this nut is governed by the development of the harvest season in Turkey, which is the largest producer in the world, with more than 700 thousand hectares planted, he stated. "Chile has a privileged position in this industry because its production comes out in the counter season of the major global powers, Turkey and Italy," he added.

Source:http://www.freshplaza.com/

Tasmanian hazelnut growers get cracking on harvest with new machinery

March 15, 2017

After seven years, Carol and Nathan Bracken's 10-hectare orchard at Glengarry, in the West Tamar Valley, is now producing large enough quantities to clean, crack, shell, grade and pack hazelnuts on the farm. Around two tonnes of nuts will be run through the new processing line this year. "We've got a lot of our equipment from Europe because they have a lot of hazelnut growing over there," Ms Bracken said.

"They're pretty small compared to some other countries and that suits us just fine." The machinery will also enable the Brackens to contract-crack for other producers. "It's nice to have a couple of people doing it in Tasmania," Ms Bracken said. "So we're looking to buy nuts off other growers who don't have this kind of facility. "Because doing it by hand takes a lot longer than running it through this machine." The Brackens' 5,000-tree orchard is made up of three hazelnut varieties: Tokolyi Brownfield Cosford, Lewis, and Barcelona.

With additional plantings, the Brackens hope to produce up to 60 tonnes each year. Ms Bracken said the key was to educate consumers about the benefits of local product. Australia is a relatively modest producer of hazelnuts; most are imported from Spain and Turkey. "Because it is extremely hard to get hold of Australian-grown hazelnuts, most people don't know about them," she said. "People who come from Europe are really aware of what a fresh hazelnut should taste like.

"They know that the ones in the supermarket they're getting are a bit bitter and have gone off really.

"Hazelnuts are like all the other nuts, they're high in oil and it's just butter, so it goes off over time if they sit on the shelf in the supermarket too long. "They won't taste as sweet and as yummy as you get from the ones this season." The Brackens' hazelnuts are starting to fall from the trees now. Last year's cold, wet spring has delayed the harvest by a few weeks.

Source:http://www.abc.net.au

Vietnam RCN price begins on a upward bias

March 15, 2017

Press release on the business and production of cashew business in 2017 of the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas) issued on March 15 afternoon, said from the beginning of the season to now Raw cashew is constantly increasing and about 30% higher than the same period last year.

The situation is similar to that of imports. Specifically, according to Vinacas, last week the price of imported raw materials was US $ 1,850 a tonne, which rose to US $ 2,000 per ton this week, up by US $ 150 per tonne.

In February, Vinacas has a field trip to cashew growing to assess cashew yield this year. According to Vinacas, some local cashew growers in Lam Dong and Binh Thuan are affected so the output in these provinces may decrease by 80% compared to the previous season.

However, in provinces such as Binh Phuoc (the province with the largest area of ​​cashew), Dong Nai (just behind Binh Phuoc) or Ba Ria-Vung Tau, cashew production is not affected by pests. Therefore, in general, this year's output of raw is not affected much.

According to Vinacas, each year the world produces 3 million tons of raw cashew nuts and this year's forecast remains at that level. In 2016, Vietnam processed 1.5 million tons of raw cashew, equivalent to 50% of global output and exported 348,000 tons, earning $ 2.84 billion.

In the first two months of this year, cashew nut export value was US $ 255 million, more than 3% over the same period. Explaining this, according to Vinacas, export value decreased not due to market but because enterprises have long Lunar New Year holidays so exports also halted during this period.

Source: TBKTSG

Cashew turns crunchy

Mon Mar 13 2017

Robust local consumption supports Goa’s cashew processing industry and most unit owners are making steady profits, finds out, Shoma Patnaik

Goa’s cashew season for 2017 is opened on a positive note. The first arrival of the crop in the market is good and expectations are of the trend continuing in future. Weather however could be the spoilsport. Climatic conditions have flipped after being ideal so far. The night temperature is drooped by two-three degree while the daytime temperature is high. Another major concern is early morning dew witnessed in recent days. It could make no-show out of a bountiful harvest and so fingers are crossed on the season’s produce.

On the price front the scenario is pro farmer. Prices of raw cashews have shot up to record high of Rs 160 per kg which is nearly 40 per cent higher than the 2016 opening price of Rs 115 per kg.  High prices are rewarding to farmers as cashew is turned out truly a cash crop as it is classified to be.

On the other hand the situation looks not so advantageous to the cashew processing industry. Unit owners have started complaining of high raw material cost although they are certain to pass on the raw material price hike to consumers.

There is news that processors may import kernels from other states to subdue local prices. “Cashew kernel price in Goa is highest compared to other states,” says Madhav Sahakari, president, Goa Cashew Manufacturers Association (GCMA). He points out that kernel in Kerala is quoted at Rs 138-Rs 142 per kg while the rate is Rs 145 per kg in Maharashtra and Rs 135 per kg in Orissa.

Sahakari who is a grower as well as processor expects raw nut prices to come down as the season advances. He says that, prices could drop by about Rs 10 per kg and stabilize at Rs 150 per kg levels at which rate it is cost-effective to the processing industry. “Arrivals in the market have not regularized and lot will depend on the harvest and the crop outlook,” says Sahakari.

Yet ground level check reveals that despite steadily increasing raw nut prices (see Table1), the scenario is not all that worrisome to the processing industry. Most unit owners have made good profits thanks to passing on increase in raw material cost to the consumer. Strong demand for nuts in the retail market (from tourists as well as residents) is resulted in processors hiking up the cost of finished cashews each year and making consistent profits. Over the years finished cashew prices from the factory end have gone up from Rs 620 per kg to Rs 850 per kg and it is not impacted shop sales.

“The outlook for cashew processing industry in 2017-18 is going to be challenging,” feels A Kamath, processor and exporter. He explains that, cost of raw material is high and unit owners are incurring expenditure on working capital to hold inventory. “Buyers in the export market are not doing long-term contracts for purchases,” says Kamath.

Kamath reveals that currently international market for cashews is at the peak in terms of price realization to exporters. The danger is of demand dropping as the nut faces competition from other dry fruits like almonds and pistachios.

The cashew processing industry in Goa comprises about 30 odd units, big and small. Big units are handful, of which there are only two exporters, viz. Ajanta Industries and Zantye Cashew. Most established large units prefer to sell in the local or domestic market. Meanwhile the small units operate out in primitive conditions. They do not incur expenditure on improving infrastructure although they are in profit.

“The industry prefers to sell locally to avoid the hassle and formalities of exporting,” says Sahakari. The uncertainly of international market and volatile global price trend discourages them from exporting, he says.

Cultivation of cashews in Goa is over an acreage of 56,600 hectares and the area under cultivation is been more or less stagnant. Likewise production is also stagnant at around 24,000 to 25,000 tons. The problem associated with cashew cultivation in Goa is of low yield as farmers make little effort to increase produce through irrigation or better farming practices.  Rapid urbanization and booming real estate is shrinking the number and size of plantations. Farmers are selling out to builders due to non-availability of labour and relative lower returns compared to other activities.

However the industry needs to be encouraged as it has several positives for the state. Cashew processing is green industry that is totally non-polluting with zero effluent discharge. The industry is labour intensive and employs women from the hinterland. The working hours are tailored to suit women so that they can take care of the home as well as earn income.

Experts point out that in the last two years, at least four units have closed down as entrepreneurs do not find it attractive enough vis-à-vis other sectors. Further while the industry in other producing states has gone in for automation, Goan units have lost on competitiveness by not keeping pace with latest trends. Consequently Goan cashews are out priced in other states although they are of high quality and tastier.

Says, Mr Kamath, “Processing machines help to reduce the cost as well as improve the efficiency.” Therefore units need to keep up with the trend and also keep a watch on the supplies from originating countries to keep themselves in the health.

Although Goa is a cashew producing state, production of the nut is fluctuated significantly in recent years.  Productivity is low in most plantations except in certain areas like Pernem where farms are irrigated and growers use modern methods of cultivation. There are growers in Pernem getting 20 kg of cashew per tree but otherwise the yield is low for most growers. According to agriculture officers, farmers do not put in inputs or efforts and the crop suffers from pests and low productivity.

To boost cashew production the government is going to provide organic inputs (neem cakes) and also encourage vermin-composting. Cashew plantation offers good scope for vermi-composting, according to him. The top cashew cultivating talukas are Sattari, Pernem, Bicholim, Bardez and Sanguem.

The government support price for cashew is Rs 100 per kg and it is remained the same for the last three years. Cashew farmers do not need support price since the prevailing market price is higher. And processors do not need support either as cashew nuts are lucrative business.

Cashew exports from India receive competition from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia.

Source: http://www.navhindtimes.in/cashew-turns-crunchy

Activity Improves in West Africa as Rupee Appreciation Continues.

Thu Mar 16 2017

Indian processors have started bulk purchases in West Africa because of the favorable exchange market. Their purchase price is above $1650/Ton/c&f in Ivory Coast and around $1850/Ton/c&f in Benin.

There is no such appreciation inVND.

Source: http://worldcashew.com/

Raw Nut Prices Worry Cashew Exporters

Fri Mar 17 2017

High cost of imported nuts, strengthening rupee hamper exports; Kernel exports up 17% in Jan

The steep price of imported raw nuts continues to be a worry for cashew exporters. Many factories that downed shutters due to the cash crunch following demonetisation, have gradually resumed operations. But they have been hampered by costly imported raw nuts and an appreciating rupee.

“At $4.5 to 4.7 per pound (.`650680kg), the export price of cashew kernels is not at par with price of imported raw nuts what is averaging around $2,000 per ton,“ said Pankaj N Sampat, direc tor of Mumbai-based Samson Traders. Cashew kernel prices which had risen to $4.90 per pound dropped to $4.50 at the time of demonetisation. But it improved slightly in January 2017 which helped boost exports.

Cashew kernel exports at 8,680 . 586 crore in Jatons valued at ` nuary is up 17% in quantity and 46% in value from a year ago.This jump has pulled down overall decline in shipments during the fiscal. The ten-month exports ended Jan 2017 stood at 70,0049 tons valued at ` . 4,326 crore.This showed a 14% fall in quantity. At the same time, value witnessed a 4% rise. Till November last year, quantity had fallen 28% from a year earlier. Although price of raw nuts from Tanzania and Indonesia earlier were higher, the quality was superior. “Now the quality of raw nuts from west African countries is not that good. This reflects on kernels processed from them,“ said P Sundaran, chairman, Cashew Export Promotion Council of India.

Source: Economictimes.Indiatimes.com

Ivorian farmers have limited access to credit (study)

March 14, 2017

Abidjan - While agriculture remains the engine of economic growth in Côte d'Ivoire, farmers have limited access to financial services, which limits the development of their activities, according to a study published on Tuesday. "95% of farmers are paid cash in cash, and in this situation they can not benefit from financial services for the development of their activities or the needs of their households," according to a survey In 2016 by the Group Advisory service to the poor, a World Bank research center. "Only 5% of small farmers in the Ivory Coast have an account in a bank," notes the study, which covered 3,000 households, of which 5,000 are farmers.

The study found, however, a positive element: 85% of farmers have a mobile phone and 27% have a mobile money account thanks to their telephone. In Côte d'Ivoire, agriculture employs 66% of the active population and contributes 22% to the GDP. Most agricultural households are small producers with an average production area of ​​less than four hectares. Agricultural development plays a key role in reducing poverty in Côte d'Ivoire, as the incidence of poverty in rural areas is 56.8% compared to 35.9% in urban areas.

Source:news.abidjan.net

Register Now for the ACA Annual Cashew Conference!!!

he African Cashew Alliance is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 11th ACA Annual Cashew Conference, which will be held in Cotonou, Benin from the 18th to 21st of September 2017! With the theme “A New Vision for Partnership and Investments”, this year’s conference will serve as an important platform for creating a new vision for the African Cashew Industry, sharing knowledge in best practices, and networking. Make sure to be on the look out for the announcement of the exciting program including season speakers who will address the pressing issues of today’s industry!

Benin is the perfect location for this year’s cashew conference as it is known for its high quality raw cashew nuts. In less than a decade, production has almost doubled, which brings it to an estimated production of 120,000 MT in 2016. The country is now the second largest exporter of raw cashew nuts in the world.

Register here before June 30th, 2017 to take advantage of the early bird rate!  ACA members will also receive a special discount on conference fees. Make sure to take advantage of this great offer!

Sponsoring our conference and exhibiting at Annual Cashew Conference is an excellent opportunity to promote your company to a wide variety of cashew stakeholders. Click here now for more details!

For any questions, please contact the ACA Secretariat at aca@africancashewalliance.com or call +233 302 78 22 33.

Source: http://www.africancashewalliance.com

Binh Thuan: The price is high but the harvest lost

Tue Mar 14 2017

At this time, cashew growers in Binh Thuan are in the main harvest of the year. Unlike many years ago, the price of cashew nuts this year reached a high level, ranging from 40,000 to 45,000 VND / kg. However, the joy of the farmer is not complete because of the crop failure, the productivity dropped significantly.

Me Pu commune, Duc Linh district has nearly 1,800ha of cashew nut, but only 20% of the area has fruit, most of the area is damaged. Many flower gardens are dry without beans, young seeds are burned black and many fall off.

According to the cashew growers here, the cause of cashew flowers is dry, the bugs attacked because of the damage of the fruit rain last season and after the Lunar New Year. Although the people have increased the sprays of sprays, investment in fertilizer care but still not effective.

Mr. Tran Phuoc (village 4, Me Pu commune), a cashew grower, said that cashew has been the main source of income for the family for many years. His family now has 1.5 hectares of cashew field. At the beginning of this year, what is flowering flowers meet the rain in the season, hoarfrost should cause the flower bunch to be damaged, withered away fruit, but the fruit also fall off gradually. Not only some trees but also the garden of the family is affected by the above phenomenon. If every year just spray the spray twice, this year, he must spray up to five times but the dry thing is still dry. High investment costs but this season's loss of 90%, the family does not know what to take to cover this cost.

Similarly, Dinh Huu Tam (village 4, Me Pu commune) has 1ha of land. With this area, last year, his family collected about 3 tons of seeds at a price of 25,000 VND / kg, except for family expenses of several tens of millions. However, this year, the price of cashew nuts is high, but the yield is too much to lose but the quality of the cashew is not high.

According to Mr. Tam, unusual weather, sudden heavy rains not only make flowers do not fruit but also cause pests to grow harmful on the cashew.

Duc Linh is the area with the most articles in the province. According to Duc Linh District Agriculture Department, the district has more than 10,000 ha, concentrated in the communes of Me Pu, Sung Nhon, Duc Hanh, Tan Ha ... Up to now, the cashew orchards damaged from 80-90%. Most of the damaged orchards have the same condition as dried flowers withered fruit, young fruit dropping branches.

According to the initial observation, besides unfavorable weather conditions due to the fact that cashew trees are experiencing heavy rain and frost, the low productivity of cashew is partly due to farmers not paying much attention to the prevention of insects. Disease, over time the old trees, yield less. The agricultural sector has advised farmers to pay attention to the care of cashew trees properly, actively prevent disease to increase productivity for the next crop.

Not only Đức Linh, cashew growers in Tánh Linh, Hàm Tân ... also fall into the status of "losing the price." Most of the cashew area in the area is in the condition of no fruit or fruit is very little. , The productivity is much lower than in previous years.

Binh Thuan has about 18,000 ha of cashewnut, mainly concentrated in Duc Linh, Tanh Linh and Ham Tan districts. It is defined as a high economic value crop, not only a source of food for human consumption but also a source of raw materials for the processing industry.

In 2016, cashew is selected by Binh Thuan as one of the main crops of the province until 2020. Accordingly, in order to improve productivity, quality, ensure the requirements of cashew exports, in the coming time, The province plans to replant and cultivate 12,500 ha of cashew; At the same time, support from 50-80% of the price of seedlings for compatriots, especially ethnic minorities and compatriots in upland mountainous communes will be supported. In addition, support for seeds, supplies, fertilizers and funds for the transfer of scientific and technical applications to production.

Hong Hieu

Source: Vietnam + / VNA

Binh Phuoc: Launching Career Branch "Planting and caring for high yield, quality cashew"

Farmer Association of Long Ha Commune, Phu Rieng District has just launched the Career Branch "Planting and caring for high yield and quality cashew" in Village 4, Long Ha Commune with 52 members.

Participating in FAs, members exchanged information on markets, prices, equipment - agricultural materials, means of production, varieties, diseases and prevention, sharing production experiences, Consumption of agricultural products. Members will also introduce good ways, creativity, application of scientific and technical advances in the process of growing and caring for cashew, preservation of cashew nuts post-harvest. In addition, members will be supported to buy fertilizers deferred, borrow money to support the investment in the process of growing and caring for cashew, care and protection of legitimate rights and interests ...

Tran Ngoc Tu

Source: Binh Phuoc Newspaper

FG Pledges to Resolve Forex Challenges Facing Exporters

The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh yesterday expressed the federal government’s desire to address the foreign exchange (forex) challenges faced by exporters, disclosing that the ministry is in talks with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) concerning the issue.

Audu who spoke at the FirstBank of Nigeria Expo in Lagos tagged: ‘Re-inventing Agriculture for Sustainable National Development,’ noted that it does not augur well for exporters if they cannot export at the official rate.

He expressed confidence that once the issue is addressed, exporters would be able to repatriate their earnings and not lose money.

“We are planning a meeting between the CBN, the Ministry, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Ministry of Finance in order to deal with some of these challenges we face especially as it affects smuggled goods that come into the country and how they damage our local efforts.

There is need for us to work to attain self-sufficiency in food production,” the minister explained.

Furthermore, the minister revealed that the federal would soon embark on large-scale production of crops such as cocoa and Shea butter, especially in states that have comparative advantage.

He added: “We are also looking at the expansion of coconut. The water from coconut has a natural source of sweetening. Coconut oil is expensive one litre today is N7, 000. A coconut shell is a very expensive export item which can be used to produce activated carbon heavily used in industries just like palm products are very valuable and they are strong export items. Last year, we shipped $6,000 worth of raw cashew to Vietnam.

“We have decided that in two years, we shall not export raw cashew nuts we shall begin to roast it and export because from 3tonnes of raw cashew we produce one tonne of roast cashew which sells in Vietnam for $10,000. We need financial support. We are the only country in the world that the interest rate for agriculture sector is still high.”

He said policy summersault by successive government was one of the factors that hindered the attainment of self-sufficiency in food production by the country, lamenting that Nigeria had become highly dependent on food imports.

Earlier, the Managing Director of FBN, Adesola Adeduntan, said the bank was positioned to build alliances with agro-producers, processors and storage companies to ensure improvement in the agricultural sector.

Source:https://www.thisdaylive.com

Nigeria to export processed cashew nuts by 2019

Nigeria is to start exporting processed cashew nuts by 2019, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh

Ogbeh who disclosed this on Tuesday at the maiden edition of the 2017 First Bank Agric Expo in Lagos, said that currently a tonne of processed cashew nut when exported is sold for $10,000 while the raw cashew nut is sold at $1,200.

He explained that it would be beneficial to process the nuts and export rather than exporting the nuts raw. “So in the next two years we will no longer export raw cashew nuts, but roast the cashew nuts for export. If we produce a tonne of roasted cashew it will be sold at the international price of $10,000, whereas a ton of raw cashew nuts sells for $1,200.”

Nigeria’s inability to process cashew nuts in significant quantities for export resulted in the loss of $1.4 billion in 2016.

According to data from the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), the country exported a total of 160,000 metric tons of cashew valued at $300 million in 2016.

Nigeria is the fourth largest producer of cashew in Africa and the sixth in the world with an output of 160,000 metric tons per year. A production which is expected to reach 500,000 metric tons by 2020. The main export destinations for the crop are Europe, India and the United States.

Source: http://www.ecofinagency.com/