Coast Region targets to triple cashew nut production by 2030

COAST REGION: THE Coast Region has launched a major cashew nut expansion programme to nearly triple annual output from 25,000 tonnes to 73,400 tonnes by 2030, boosting regional income and export potential.

Coast Regional Commissioner Mr Abubakar Kunenge unveiled the strategy in Rufiji District during the rollout of 1.5 million improved cashew nut seedlings to farmers, highlighting the focus on modern agricultural technologies and improved planting materials.

“We are shifting from subsistence-oriented production to a more commercial, technology-driven cashew nut industry,” said Mr Kunenge, urging farmers to fully adopt modern agricultural practices to maximise returns and support the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

He said the seedlings are part of a nationwide government initiative under which 4.2 million improved cashew nut seedlings are being distributed to farmers through the Cashew nut Board of Tanzania (CBT).

“The strategy aims to boost cashewnut productivity, improve nut quality and strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global market,” Mr Kunenge said.

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Official data show that during the 2025/2026 farming season, the Coast region produced 25,000 tonnes of cashew nuts, falling short of its projected target of 30,000 tonnes.

The Regional Commissioner said the new expansion plan, backed by improved seedlings, extension services, and better farm management practices will close the gap and deliver sustained production growth over the medium term.

Noting now they were working on our plans to harvest 73,400 tonnes by 2030. Rufiji District Agriculture Officer, Mr Ryoba Magabe said the district currently has 6,363 registered cashew nut farmers cultivating more than 1.1 million cashew nut trees.

He noted that continued government investment in extension services has been instrumental in improving yields and maintaining quality standards required by domestic processors and export markets.

Cashew nut is one of the Coast Region’s leading cash crops, alongside sesame, coconut, sisal, cassava, rice and sugarcane. With rising global demand and value-addition opportunities, the cashew nut sector remains a strategic pillar for rural incomes, agro-industrial growth and foreign exchange generation.