Cashew
nut is made up of a fruit in which the kernel is embedded. The real fruit
of the cashew is commonly a nut. It is a kidney- or heart-shaped achene,
in any normal variety. Its color varies from bottle green to grayish brown
(dried fruit). It is attached to the end of a fleshy footstalk or peduncle,
which is in fact the receptacle of the flower that is broadened and swollen and
forms the false fruit.
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| Cashew Nuts |
The nut is composed of kernel and pericarp or shell. The kernel is slightly curved back on itself and forms two cotyledons, representing about 20–25% of the nuts weight. It is wrapped in a thin, difficult to remove peel (testa), reddish-brown membrane, which in turn approximates to 5% of the whole nut.
But
how do you go from planting a few seeds to running a successful cashew nut
business? I’m going to take you through everything you need to know to get your
profitable cashew nut farming business up and running—from planting to harvest!
ALSO READ ON: Benefits of an Integrated Farming System, and How Does it Work?
Why Cashew Nut Farming?
Cashew
nuts are a popular and healthy food. People love them as snacks. They are also
key ingredients in cashew butter and milk. The nuts have a lot of protein,
vitamins, and minerals. This makes them great for healthy diets. Cashew farming
is becoming popular in Kenya. Farmers can make good money if they manage their
farms well.
Kenya's weather and soil are perfect for cashew nut farming. The coast and
lower eastern areas are best suited for the cashew nut due to their warm
climate conditions. The Kenya Cashew Nut Association helps farmers by offering
training and helping them sell their cashew crop harvest. This then boosts the cashew
nut farming across Kenya.
Starting a Cashew Nut Farming Business in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understanding the Cashew Nut Farming Basics
Before
you dive into planting, it's crucial to understand the basics of cashew nut
farming. Cashew nuts thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, which makes
Kenya's coastal region, such as Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale, an ideal place for
this venture. Cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) requires well-drained soils
and medium rainfall pattern.
- Soil and Climate:
Cashew trees grow best in soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5.WarmNclimates
are ideal, with a temperature range of between 25°C to 35°C. The cashew
trees prefer a sunny environment and can tolerate drought conditions, but
irrigation may be necessary during dry spells.
- Choosing Cashew Nut Variety:
There are various cashew nut varieties, but the most popular ones in Kenya
are the "Mombasa" and "Rabai" varieties, both of which
are well-suited to local conditions. They are also known and loved for
their high-quality yield and resistance to pests and diseases.
Step 2: Land Selection and Preparation
For
a successful cashew nut farming business, good land choice and preparation are
essential. One acre of land can support around 160 to 200 cashew trees, but
this number may vary depending on tree spacing.
- Right Location:
Cashew nut trees prefer locations or areas with a good drainage and sunlight.
They do not like wet feet, so avoid low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The perfect location should be well-suited to withstand occasional
droughts.
- Land Preparation:
Start by removing any vegetation or debris from the land. Dig your
planting holes approximately 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm. In large scale
planting, it’s advisable to use tractors for clearing and tilling the
land.
- Soil Fertilization:
Cashew trees benefit from organic matter, therefore adding compost or some
well-rotted manure will help to improve the soil fertility levels. Ensure
to test the soil pH levels before planting to ensure they are within the
recommended range.
Step 3: Planting Cashew Nuts
Once
your land is ready, it's time to plant your cashew nut trees. This step is
crucial because proper planting techniques will set your farm up for success in
the long term.
- Spacing:
Cashew trees should be spaced at least 8 to 10 feet apart to allow them
enough room to grow. This will ensure that the trees receive adequate
sunlight and air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases.
- Planting:
In planting, place your cashew nut tree seedling in the prepared holes and
cover with soil. You will also need to water the tree thoroughly after
planting. If you decide to plant from a seed make sure to germinate the
seeds first by soaking them in water for 24 hours before planting.
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| Cashew Nut Farming in Kenya |
Proper
care and management after planting is key to having a successful cashew nut
farm. The cashew trees are relatively low-maintenance but they do require
regular attention to thrive.
- Watering:
Make sure to water the young cashew trees regularly, especially during dry
weather conditions. However you should be cautious not to give them too
much water to prevent root rot. Once your trees mature, they are quite
drought-resistant.
- Fertilizing:
You can fertilize your cashew trees with a balanced fertilizer that
contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and organic fertilizers such
as compost or manure are also highly beneficial.
- Pests and Diseases:
Like any other crop, the cashew nut trees are prone to pests and diseases.
The common pests affecting them include the cashew nuts borer and the root
mealy bug. While common diseases affecting
them are such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. Ensure regular monitoring
and the use of organic pesticides or fungicides that can assist in keeping
these problems under control.
Step 5: Pruning and Maintenance
Your
cashew nut trees need pruning as it is very important to maintain their health
and to achieve maximum productivity and profitability. Regular pruning does
encourages better airflow, reduces disease susceptibility and promotes better
yields.
- Techniques:
Prune the trees to remove any dead or diseased branches. You should also
cut back any branches that are growing inwards to maintain a healthy
shape. To add on, remove any branches that are lying too low to allow for
easier harvesting of the cashew nut or fruit.
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| Cashew Nut Harvest |
Step 6: Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Cashew
nuts typically take 2 to 3 years to mature after planting, although some
varieties can take as long as 4 years. Harvesting cashew nuts requires careful
timing to ensure that the nuts are of the highest quality.
- When to Harvest:
Cashew nuts ripen during the dry season. You’ll know they’re ready for
harvest when the cashew apples start to fall from the tree. The nuts are
attached to the apples, and you can harvest both the apples and the nuts
at the same time.
- Post-Harvest Processing:
After harvesting, you’ll need to process the cashew nuts. This involves
removing the hard shell, which contains a toxic resin, and drying the nut.
Once dried, the nuts can be packaged and sold either locally or for
export.
Step 7: Marketing and Selling Cashew Nuts
Now
that you have successfully grown and harvested your cashew nuts, it’s time to
take your product to market.
- Local Markets: The retail price range in Kenyan shilling for cashew nuts is between Ksh. 1,115 and Ksh. 1,150 per kilogram. You can sell your cashew nuts to local processing companies or markets.
It’s essential to establish relationships with buyers who will consistently
purchase your product.
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| Cashew Nuts at a Local Supermarket Store |
- Export Markets:
If you want to reach international markets, you’ll need to meet export
standards. Consider partnering with local agricultural cooperatives or
export companies to help with this process.
How to Maximize Profitability in Cashew Nut Farming
Cashew
farming offers great profit potential, but success depends on some things. Here
are tips to make your cashew business thrive. Good farm care is vital. Regular
attention helps boost your cashew crops. It also cuts down on losses from
pests. Consider making cashew butter or snacks. This lets you reach more buyers
and earn more money. Use eco-friendly farming methods. This keeps your farm
healthy long term. Think about organic farming, saving water, and less
pesticide use.
Nutritional Benefits of Cashew Nuts
In
addition to being a profitable crop, cashew nuts offer numerous nutritional
benefits. They are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and
minerals, making them an excellent addition to any diet. Some of the key
nutrients in cashew nuts include:
- Healthy Fats:
Cashews are high in monounsaturated fats, which help improve heart health.
- Vitamins and Minerals:
They are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and vitamins E and K.
- Antioxidants:
Cashews contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect
against oxidative damage.
Frequently Asked Questions in Cashew Nut Farming
- How profitable is cashew nut farming in Kenya?
The
new varieties are also said to fetch higher market prices, ranging from
about 50-70 Kenya Shillings per kilogram, a significant improvement from
the earlier rates of 10 to 20 Kenya Shillings. According to KALRO, the cashew
nut industry supports around 50,000 people, with a production of 10,000 metric
tons.
- How do I start cashew nut farming in Kenya?
- What is the price of 1 kg of cashew nuts?
- Which is the best place to grow cashews?
- Are cashew nuts good for weigh loss?
- Are cashew nuts healthy?
- How do cashew nuts grow?
- What are cashew nuts benefits?
- How long do cashew nuts take to mature?
- Are cashews a nut or a fruit?
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