Cashew Nuts Farming In Kenya: How to Grow Cashew Nuts And The Lucrative Market

In coastal Kenya, cashew is the most important cash crop. Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River Mombasa, and Lamu counties grow it. Directly and indirectly, the cashew nut industry employs 4000 and 50,000 people, respectively.

The demand for processed cashew nuts and their value-added products is continuously rising around the world. Cashews that are fair trade and organic are likewise in high demand.

How to Grow Cashews

If you live in the tropics, whether the climate is wet or dry, you can start growing cashew nuts. Your temperature should not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or climb above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 C.). The trees can also be grown in any frost-free environment.

Caring for Cashew Trees

You’ll need to give your cashew nut trees both water and fertilizer if you’ve planted them. During dry spells, provide them with water. During the growing season, fertilize the tree, especially when it is blossoming and forming nuts. Make sure to use a fertilizer that has nitrogen, phosphorus, and possibly zinc in it.

Export market prices for Kenya cashew nuts

Kenya cashew nut market prices have fluctuated over time. Prior to 2019, a kilogram of cashew nuts cost $7.49 in 2017 and $8.46 in 2018. The export price increased by -10.852 percent to $7.54 per kilo in 2019.

Exports to Rwanda, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), Nigeria, and Italy produced high return markets for Kenya cashew nuts in 2019.

Kenya cashew nuts wholesale price

Kenya Cashew Nuts cost between US$ 7.52 and US$ 8.46 per kilogram (or US$ 3.41 and US$ 3.84 per pound) in 2022. (lb).

Read More On: Strawberry Farming: How to Make Ksh100k/Month on 1/8th Acre Land

The price per kilogram is KES 819.03 in Kenyan Shillings. In Mombasa and Nairobi, the average price for a tonne is US$ 7518.72.

In 2019, Kenya’s cashew nut import price was US$6.38 per kilo.

Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts

1: May prevent cardiovascular diseases

Cashew nuts, contrary to popular belief, are good for our heart health. Cashews are high in vital fatty acids, potassium, and antioxidants, all of which are good for your heart. It contains phytosterols, phenolic compounds, and oleic acid, which are beneficial to heart health and strengthen blood vessels.

2: Help lower the blood pressure

Cashew nuts are high in minerals including magnesium, potassium, and L-arginine, as well as healthful unsaturated fats. It works by dilating your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure significantly.

3: May help to avoid and manage diabetes.

Cashews can help persons with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels by adding them to their diet. It’s high in fibre, a substance that helps keep blood sugar levels stable. However, because of the high calorie content, just 3-4 cashews should be consumed each day.

4: Immune system booster

Cashew nuts are high in zinc and vitamins, both of which are beneficial to your health. Zinc is an immune-boosting mineral that is also required for basic cell functions. Zinc supplementation on a regular basis may give you with the essential quantity of zinc and vitamins, which will help to improve your overall health.

5: Help boost brain functions The brain is our body’s most active organ, and it requires a regular supply of fatty acids from our diet in order to stay active. Cashew nuts include brain-boosting elements that may help you keep your memory sharp and increase your brain functioning. Eat soaked cashews overnight to boost brain function.