The Ministry of Agriculture has revealed that it has developed a new cashew nut variety to solve the waning production of the crop across the country.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said that the new variety, which was developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), is disease-tolerant and has the capacity to double cashew nut yields by two-fold.
Kagwe assured that the ministry will distribute 20,000 seedlings of the improved variety across the country, especially in the coastal region, in preparation for the coming long rains.
The agriculture boss, who confirmed the developments during a visit to cashew nut farmers and processors in Kilifi on Thursday, January 8, further confirmed that KALRO is also in the process of introducing four more improved varieties of the crop over the next six months.
“Farmers have complained about declining yields and disease pressure. Research has responded, and the solutions are ready,” Kagwe said.
"Seedling multiplication and distribution is being coordinated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in collaboration with county governments, with support from KEPHIS and extension services, to ensure quality assurance and last-mile delivery to farmers," he added.
According to the CS, reviving the cashew nut production in the country will be fundamental in creating over 350,000 jobs as well as contributing over Ksh30 billion to the country's GDP.
So far, the country produces about 13,000 tonnes of cashew nuts annually, which is 32,000 tonnes less than the installed processing capacity of the crop, according to the ministry.
"Kagwe said the revival of the cashew industry will require a whole-of-government approach, bringing together the Ministry of Agriculture, KALRO, AFA, KEPHIS, county governments, farmers and the private sector," the ministry said.
"He announced plans for a high-level meeting involving all stakeholders to agree on a fast-tracked master plan to restore production, stabilise supply for investors and rebuild farmer confidence," it added.
The ministry has also stressed the need for cashew nut farmers to deploy sustainable, agronomic practices, including recommended spacing of 10 metres by 10 metres and intercropping cashew with coconut and mango, to improve profitability.
“Cashew farmers, there is hope. We have heard you, and this time, we are moving with speed and seriousness, ” Kagwe said.
