Bashe to inaugurate cashew nut processing plant in Mtwara

MTWARA: THE Minister for Agriculture Mr Hussein Bashe is expected to inaugurate a 3.5bn/- cashew nut processing plant today in Mmovo Village, Newala District, Mtwara Region.

The new factory, constructed by the Tandahimba-Newala Cooperative Union (TANECU), has the capacity to process 3,500 tonnes of cashew nuts per year.

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Dr Benson Ndiege, Registrar and Chief Executive of the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC), stated that this factory is one of 20 planned by TANECU in the Tandahimba and Newala districts.

“The factory being inaugurated on October 1 (today), is part of a broader initiative to enhance the government’s goal of exporting processed cashew nuts,” he said.

Once completed, the 20 factories will have a combined processing capacity of 70,000 tonnes per year.

Dr Ndiege added that the Ministry of Agriculture, through TCDC, has developed investment strategies to create a conducive environment for agricultural unions to invest in value-added projects.

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Meanwhile, TANECU Chairperson Mr Karim Chipola encouraged cashew nut growers, buyers and community members to attend the inauguration of the new factory.

This launch coincides with the government’s implementation of a sustainable cashew processing strategy aimed at adding value to the crop, which includes establishing an industrial park in the Maranje area of Mtwara Region.

According to the Cashew Nuts Board of Tanzania (CBT), the country aims to shift towards exporting processed cashews by the 2026/2027 season, moving away from the export of raw cashew nuts.

Minister Bashe emphasised that the government’s goal is to ensure that cashew nuts continue to benefit farmers and attract more foreign exchange.