TANZANIA – Tanzania’s cashew nut harvest for the 2024/2025 season has marked a strong growth, reaching 408,600 metric tons, according to the independent trade advisory service N’kalô.
This is a notable 34% increase compared to last year’s production of 305,000 metric tons. While the numbers fell short of the government’s initial forecast of 595,000 tons, the increase is still seen as a positive outcome for Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
Tanzania, being the leading producer in East Africa, is seeing promising results as it concludes its cashew nut harvest.
N’kalô’s report released on January 30 highlights that about 337,700 metric tons, or roughly 83% of the total harvest, has already been shipped to the international market.
This growth in production is expected to improve both export volumes and overall revenue.
“Although we did not meet the forecasted numbers, the increase in production is significant, and we are optimistic about the sector’s growth,” said a representative from the Cashew Council of Tanzania (CBT).
In 2023/2024, cashew exports brought in USD 227.1 million, and this year’s higher production is expected to lead to even greater earnings.
One of the key factors contributing to the increase in revenue is the rise in cashew nut prices. The 2024/2025 season marked the first year that raw cashews were sold through an auction system, allowing producers to negotiate better prices.
The price of cashew nuts in the initial weeks of the auction ranged from 4,035 to 4,120 Tanzanian shillings per kilogram (USD 1.48 to USD 1.51), a significant jump from the previous range of 1,500 to 2,500 shillings (USD 0.55 to USD 0.91) in earlier seasons.
“This auction system has provided better market access and higher prices for our farmers,” said the CBT representative. “It allows for more fair and competitive selling, which ultimately benefits the local farmers and the country’s economy.”
The Tanzanian government’s role in boosting the agriculture sector cannot be understated.
The government’s subsidies for agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and seedlings, have been vital in supporting farmers. These efforts are helping to increase both the quantity and quality of the cashew nut harvest.
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