In a move destined to transform the fortunes of Tanzania’s cashew farmers, the government raised the price of cashews and facilitated the purchase of a staggering 401,000 tons worth TZS 1.44 trillion for the 2024/2025 season.
This unprecedented achievement underscores the government’s determination to prioritize the welfare of farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce while boosting the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
During the 10th auction hosted by RUNALI Cooperative Union in Nachingwea, Prince Mng’ong’o, Financial Oversight Officer at the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), revealed the milestone figures.
“So far, 70,360 tons of cashews have been sold by RUNALI, contributing significantly to the nationwide total of 401,000 tons purchased this season,” Mng’ong’o noted.
But the success story doesn’t end with cashews. TMX has also facilitated the sale of 11,000 tons of cocoa valued at TZS 210 billion and 610 kilograms of minerals worth TZS 610 billion.
“Our goal is clear: by 2025, all strategic crops will be sold through TMX, ensuring transparency, competitive prices, and greater benefits for farmers,” Mng’ong’o added.
The Southern Regions of Lindi and Mtwara witnessed a historic first auction on October 11, 2024, where President Samia set new price records.
Cashews sold for as high as TZS 4,120 per kilogram, with a minimum price of TZS 4,035—a significant leap that delighted farmers and breathed new life into the sector.
“This is a momentous achievement for farmers who have long awaited such positive change,” said Mohamedi Mwinguku, Manager of the Tandahimba and Newala Cooperative Union (TANECU).
He commended the government for its unwavering support and reaffirmed TANECU’s commitment to ensuring farmers reap maximum rewards from their labor.
Adding to the optimism, Dr. Wilheza Mafuru, Director of Training and Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of value addition through local processing.
Speaking at the Cashew Consumption Day event during the 88th Nzuguni Exhibition in Dodoma, he stressed the economic ripple effect of processing cashews locally.
“By 2024/2025, we aim to process 60% of cashews domestically, compared to the current 10-20%. This will not only create jobs and increase farmers’ income but also reduce the export of raw cashews,” Dr. Mafuru stated.
He further outlined plans to hit the CCM manifesto target of producing 700,000 tons annually, a significant jump from the 310,000 tons recorded in the 2023/2024 season.
As the cashew season nears its conclusion, the government’s strategic interventions are rewriting the narrative for Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
Empowered by fair prices, robust market access, and forward-looking policies, cashew farmers stand at the forefront of a brighter and more prosperous future.