Nigeria is the world's 4th largest producer of raw cashew but there is still plenty of room for increased production. Kwara State has a favourable warm and humid climate for the growing of cashew trees.
Investors interested in processing activities can decide on whether to grow their own cashew or buy from local growers. Olam Nigeria Limited recently showed its faith in the sub-sector by investing in a cashew processing factory at Ogbondoroko in the state.
Description: Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.) is a tree crop of considerable economic importance to Nigeria and other tropical countries. Apart from being a source of useful products and byproducts for food, medicinal and industrial applications, cashew gives also a useful shade, while ornamental and alley trees are suitable for the control of soil erosion, particularly for the protection of watersheds and dams.
Harvest: Cashew nut setting begins in the middle of dry season, while harvesting takes place mainly in February or March. The entire harvest period occupies about 16 weeks. In the Eastern and Western parts of the country, where quality cashew nuts are grown, nuts are allowed to drop to the ground before they are collected. This practice ensures that only ripe nuts are collected. Nuts normally fall to the ground with their apples attached; the two are normally separated with a twisting action during collection. The remnants of the apple flash adhering to the nuts are removed with a sharp knife. After picking, the nuts are dried in the sun for 2 to 3 days, to reduce their moisture content to about 12 %. Properly dried nuts are packed in jute bags and can be kept for 6 to 10 months, if stored in suitable condition.Market
Investors will have a ready market in Nigeria with its population of close to 150 million. Nigeria enjoys preferential trade agreements with the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries. Opportunities for export to America and the EU also exist. The soon to be completed cargo terminal at Ilorin International Airport will further simplify the transport of goods
