Cashew nut commercialization in Machaze district, in Manica province, generated over 270.9 million meticais (approximately $4.3 million USD) for producers during the current campaign, according to a report from the Mozambique News Agency on Monday, July 21.
The amount was earned from the sale of more than 5,763 tonnes of cashew nuts on both domestic and international markets. The main export destinations include Asia, Europe, and several African countries, notably South Africa.
The district’s permanent secretary, Zacarias Queixa, stated that “this revenue was collected during the ongoing cashew campaign,” adding that “this season, more than 5,000 tonnes were placed on the market.”
“This outcome reflects producers’ interest in cashew production and the market’s demand for the product. We also have agro-ecological conditions that support and encourage production,” said Queixa.
According to the report, the consistent availability of buyers each year has been a key motivator for producers. “Cashew has become a driver of economic diversification in Machaze. All cashew placed on the market was sold, reinforcing our position in the value chain,” he noted.
Queixa emphasized that cashew is the district’s main crop. “This year we produced a lot of cashew, and most of it was sold. This has helped families, especially those who rely on farming. The sales have contributed to increased income and improved living conditions,” he said.
He also assured that the government would continue supporting producers by promoting improved agricultural practices and facilitating market access. “As you all know, we, as the government, have been supporting producers, providing the necessary assistance to ensure production increases and is marketable,” he stated.
For the 2024–2025 campaign, the district plans to sell over 4,000 tonnes of cashew nuts—a 50% increase compared to the previous year, when around 2,000 tonnes were marketed.
Cashew production in Machaze is primarily carried out by smallholder family farmers, in a semi-arid district.
Source: Diário Económico
