THE RAW CASHEW NUTS PRODUCTION IN GHANA (SAMPA)
I trust all is well with you.
As I mentioned earlier in my introductory post, am a Ghanaian and a native of Sampa (Jaman North District) which emanates from the newly created Bono Region of Ghana.
Today I will like to share with you a special crop we have in our country and how it is utilized for our standard of living.
THE RAW CASHEW NUTS PRODUCTION IN GHANA (SAMPA)
A picture of the cashew crop from my farm.
In my city (Sampa) our favorite product happens to be the Cashew crop (Anacardium occidentale) which is a native crop of Brazil.
The cashew crop has really contributed to the total development of my country aside the other natural resources such as cocoa, gold, timber and many others. In fact my country is really blessed with natural resources but when it comes to my locality, we are more engaged in the farming or production of the Cashew crops.
The cashew nuts are dried on sun for preservation and exportation after being bought from the farmers.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/anxGofUhGc6McwoL7
Ghana is known as one of the major producers of cashew nuts in Africa and it currently produces about 85,000 metric tonnes of the raw cashew nuts in each year, which is about 1% percent of the total wold's production. Over 90% of Ghana's cashew nuts are being exported to India and Vietnam by the Asian exporters and processors.
Cashew is a seasonal crop and it has served as a source of employment and income for many people more especially in my locality-Sampa.
The cashew crop is normally harvested in six months interval from January to June of each year.
The natives of my city including myself engage ourselves in the production of the cashew nuts because it is a cash crop of which the Asians more especially the Indians, Chinese and etc. come to purchase at a cost that somehow improve our standard of living.
In my locality, we only concentrate on the production of the raw cashew nuts because we lack the processing factories which can convert the nuts and fruits to a finish goods or something more valuable.
I (Cashew sample boy) and my Indian friend Libin (Cashew quality checker) somewhere in 2018 when we were working in a cashew buying company together.
The Cashew businesses is not under the control of the central government so therefore individuals who have some level of income purchase the cashew nuts from the farmers or cultivators at a cheaper cost and sell it to the Asians and Europeans at a higher cost of which the Asians and Europeans later exports them in higher quantities or tons to their various countries for processing and unfortunately these processed goods are later imported or sold to us at a higher cost.
I really Like the cashew crop simply because it has many health benefits and it serves as a source of income for me and my community or city.
The Cashew crop has various benefits such as using the cashew fruit for making juice, using the nuts for the production of oil and for making snacks but with all this numerous benefits my country's central government has failed to take over the Cashew businesses from the foreigners which is very pathetic because most at times the farmers who suffer the most for the production of the crops run at a loss at the expense of the buyers .
In my locality, the Cashew nuts are being traded in Kilograms and 1kg goes for about 1 Hive (Gh¢8) so companies or my fellow entrepreneurs who are abroad and interested in making extra income can hinge on this opportunity to come and buy either our cashew nuts or fruits at a more favorable price, maybe 2 to 4 Hive per Kilogram will let you takeover the market.
I personally have a cashew farm and I love to consume the processed cashew nuts and juice. In fact the cashew crop has helped to sponsor me in my education and other aspects of my life.
Due to the lack of cashew processing factories in my locality, we normally consume the raw cashew fruits and we roast the cashew nuts for snacks and we also use the nuts to make delicious soups just like peanuts.
Conclusion
In my locality (Sampa), the production of raw cashew nuts serves as our source of income and it has improved our standard of living therefore we hold the cashew crop in high esteem.
The Cashew crop has variety of benefits to humanity and I am very proud we have such crop our country, more precisely my region.
Zealous investors and entrepreneurs around the world are cordially invited in the Ghana cashew business.
Thank you.