Map of cashew growing areas in Nigeria By

Sotonye AngaNATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,NATIONAL CASHEW ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAEmail:anga4000@yahoo.com

Current annual production

Nigeria’s annual production volume of cashew currently stands at 120,000 metric tonnes of just the raw nuts.

However, considering the renewed interest of The Federal Government of Nigeria on the sector this volume will more than triple in coming years.

ABOUT CASHEW IN NIGERIA• Cashew is a tree crop.• With evergreen leaves, all year round.• It takes about 3-4 years from planting before

bearing fruits. • Thereafter the tree can live 40 years and more.• It was initially grown in Nigeria to control

erosion.• Today it is an economic tree in Nigeria.• Cashew nuts are harvested from the cashew

tree, a single nut is attached to a cashew apple.

Cashew apple

CASHEW PARTS AND USESCashew nut kernel ; edible oil,

roasted and eaten as nutsShell ; production of cashew nut

shell liquid (CNSL) used in making corrosion resistant vanishes, waterproof paint etc.

Cashew apple ; fruit drink & juiceTree ; canopy / shadeRoots ; erosion control & tropical

medicine

Cashew root advantage

Cashew trees have very extensive root system which enables it to tolerate a wide range of moisture levels and soil types.

However, commercial production/planting of cashew is advisable only in well-drained, sandy loam or red soils.

Current cashew belt

Why plant more cashew

Trees are first line of defence against desertification and erosion.

It is an economic tree and so will contribute to economic development.

A source of nourishment.Beautify the environment.

Cashew in every state: a dream that is possible

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