Non-oil income generating product

Cashew, botanically known as ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE, was introduced to Nigeria by Portuguese explorers but quickly became popular in 1950s when it was commercially planted in the eastern regions of Oghe, Oji and Mbala and also in the western regions of Iwo, Eruwa and Upper Ogun by the defunct Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) and Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) respectively. Presently cashew is produced in the following states of Abia, Abuja, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Oyo and Osun.

Nigeria is currently the 4^th largest producer of cashew nut in the world. This alone speaks volumes. There is so much potential within the cashew industry. Cashew is a perennial crop that grows seasonally. Unlike other fruits, its seeds are externally attached to the flesh of the cashew fruit. Due to its high nutritional value, demand currently outweighs supply. This is therefore good news for investors. An interesting feature of this crop is its wide demand globally. Currently Nigeria is unable to meet up export demands. Cashew nuts have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s revenue generation. The cashew value chain engages alot of opportunities for investment. However, to benefit from this, Knowledge is key.

The market chain in cashew business is a long chain which varies. We have the local farmers, local agents/distributors, suppliers and exporters. A merchant or trader could fit into two (2) of the mentioned categories. It’s either you are a SUPPLIER (supplying to cashew nut export companies in Nigeria mainly in Lagos) or an EXPORTER (who in turn the nuts abroad). Most of these companies are owned by Indians and Chinese.

Going into cashew business is not an easy task for a new beginner because alot of things have to be put into consideration. For example

Do you want to be a supplier (supplying to export companies)
Do you want to export it yourself (selling to overseas buyers)

Capital requirement (how much are you willing to invest considering the above two options. An exporter requires more capital

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CASHEW BUSINESS/TERMS

Cashew nuts are sold per ton
13 bags (average) make a ton. 30 tonnes makes a truck (long trailer)
Grading or scaling – You need to know how it is measured weighed and packaged in bags; if not, you will be cheated by local agents (distributors) right in your presence.
Quality or KoR – Quality of cashew determines the price. In Nigeria, the quality falls between 42-54 KoR. KoR is the standard for measuring the quality of cashew nuts. It simply means KERNEL OUT-TURN RATIO.
Cashew nuts prices fluctuate almost every week (based on international market); so you need to know the current price at every point in time.
Cashew nuts could be packaged either in jute bags or polythene. The packaging also determines the pricing and can deteriorate the quality especially when using polythene bags.
Haulage or trucking also needs to be ascertained as this may also affect pricing at final destination

IMPORTANCE AND USES OF CASHEW

There are several uses and benefits of cashew. It’s commonly eaten as food; people also use the nut to make medicine. Cashew is used for stomach and intestinal (gastro intestinal) ailments. Some people also apply cashew directly to the skin as skin stimulant. However, find below some uses of cashew:-

Cashew can be used both as solid and liquid bio-fuel
It can be used to make cream.
It is rich in protein and low in calories.
They are rich in heart-healthy fatty acids.
Cashew help boost immune system.
They are good sources of antioxidants.
Eating cashew lowers your risk of gall stones.
Cashew nutshell ash can also serve as a binder in concrete production.

Cashew farming has provided jobs for hundreds of thousands of Nigerians. It is also a means of generating foreign exchange for the country and also a means of diversifying the country’s economic activities rather than fixation on crude oil. It’s time for the country to take active participation in the cashew venture since the new drive of the government is on Non-oil sector. Besides, the international communities are discouraging oil exploration because of its environmental negative implication on the society; and more emphasis placed on bio-safety and bio-fuel.

Grace O A.