export

Guimaras eyes blooming cashew to Europe market

GUIMARAS – The provincial government here is eyeing the huge volume demand of cashew nuts to European markets.
The island province has been penetrating the US, Australia and Asian markets for its mango exports.
“Cashew nuts have high demand in foreign markets. We see that we don’t want to be dependent on mangoes. In fact, we have declined to supply several tons of cashew nuts every month to potential exporters for Europe due to limited production,” Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava said.
Processed cashew nuts are now selling at P400 per kilo in the local markets, an increased from P300 per kilo last year because of great demand locally alone.
With such bright prospects, the Capitol is targeting around 3,000 hectares to be planted with cashew trees in the next 10 years for it to transform into a “blooming industry.”
There are around 300 cashew trees planted in capital town of Jordan alone.
Nava noted he started the “Kasuy for Life” project three years ago when he was still the Jordan mayor and pursues the project when he assumed office as governor in 2007.
“We want to establish plantation sites to have sustainability in production. Most of the trees here are planted in backyards. We prepare the seedlings and provide it for free to those who are interested,” the governor said.
He added that a cashew tree will be fully grown in three to five years time.
Although from 50,000 cashew seedlings initially planted, only 17,000 grow due to bad weather. A hectare plantation would need around 200 cashew seedlings.
“Planting cashew is environment-friendly because there’s no use of pesticides. We have also a good soil condition suitable for growing cashew trees which in turn contribute to reforestation. It is also resistant to long summer and will compliment mango production,” Nava stressed.
He said they are also looking at possible technology on how to maximize the processing of cashew fruits into wine or vinegar products.