Overview

Cashew is a perennial crop that produces the cashew nut and the cashew apple. It’s well-suited to tropical climates and requires well-drained soil. Cashew trees can start bearing nuts in the third year, but full production is reached after five to six years.

Cultivation Tips

Choose a location with deep, sandy-loamy soil and ensure there is good drainage. Regular pruning helps in enhancing yield. Pest and disease management is crucial for healthy trees.

Performance

Nigeria is one of the leading cashew producers in Africa. The crop is primarily grown in the southwestern parts of the country. The export of cashew nuts brings significant foreign exchange to Nigeria, making it an important cash crop.

Challenges

Challenges include aging trees, low yield varieties, lack of access to quality inputs, and inadequate processing facilities. The fluctuating global market prices also affect farmers’ incomes.

Benefits

The cultivation of cashew provides a source of income for thousands of farmers and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. It also has potential for value addition through processing.