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Cashew farmers in Ghana have been encouraged to produce high-quality nuts to secure better prices in the market. Mr. Dwobeng Nyantakyi, the Value Chain Officer at the Wenchi Zonal Office of the Tree Crop and Development Authority (TCDA), shared this advice during an interview at a media engagement event held in Abesim in the Bono Region.
Mr. Nyantakyi emphasized the importance of adopting good farming practices, including pruning, weeding, and proper drying techniques to achieve the required moisture content in the nuts. He stated that these practices are crucial for maintaining the quality of the cashew nuts, which in turn, fetches better prices.
The media engagement was organized by Cashew Watch Ghana (CWG), a Sunyani-based civil society organization dedicated to improving the socio-economic livelihoods of cashew farmers and addressing industry challenges. The event, funded by Star Ghana Foundation, is part of the project “Amplifying the Voices of Cashew Farmers in Ghana,” which is being implemented in the Jaman North and Tain Districts and the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region.
Mr. Nyantakyi noted that the government, through the TCDA, is committed to ensuring that cashew farmers receive fair prices for their produce. However, he stressed that the onus is on the farmers to produce high-quality nuts to meet market standards.
He also highlighted that the TCDA has registered 1,600 aggregators, traders, and importers nationwide. Aggregators buy nuts from farmers at farm gates and sell them to traders and exporters. Mr. Nyantakyi advised farmers to sell their products only to registered aggregators, warning that it is a serious offense, punishable by law under the TCDA Act 1010 and LI 2471, to aid unregistered individuals in buying cashew nuts in the country.
Additionally, Mr. Nyantakyi reminded foreign nationals to stay away from the cashew business, as buying and selling cashew nuts and fruits are reserved for Ghanaians. He warned that violators would be prosecuted.
Mr. Raphael Ahenu, the National Coordinator of CWG, underscored the economic potential of the cashew sector in enhancing Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings. He called for government investment and prioritization of the sector, expressing concern over the decline in national cocoa production due to illegal mining and other detrimental activities. Mr. Ahenu believes the cashew industry could help mitigate this decline if given proper attention and support.
He also called for a fair pricing regime and price control measures to ensure that cashew farmers derive maximum benefits from their efforts.
