In the first quarter of this year, Cambodia witnessed a notable milestone in its agricultural sector, with the country exporting raw cashew nuts worth $543 million. This impressive figure represents a 13 percent year-on-year increase, signaling the country’s growing prominence in the international cashew market. The report, sourced from the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia, highlighted the Kingdom’s robust performance in the industry.
Of the total production of 474,000 tonnes, Cambodia exported 424,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts to Vietnam. The association’s president, Uon Silot, attributed this surge in export value to the escalating demand in the international market. Notably, unfavorable weather conditions affecting cashew nut-producing countries in Asia and Africa are expected to further drive up commodity prices, providing Cambodia with a favorable global market landscape for its raw cashew nut exports.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries revealed that Cambodia currently boasts approximately 700,000 hectares of cashew plantations across ten provinces. This extensive cultivation underscores the country’s commitment to furthering its agricultural potential and solidifying its position as a key player in the global cashew industry.
Looking toward the future of the cashew nut industry, the Royal Government of Cambodia has proudly introduced the National Cashew Policy 2022-2027. This strategic roadmap is carefully designed to fortify three primary objectives: enhancing production, optimizing processing capabilities, and boosting exports. Since the inception of this comprehensive policy, there has been a substantial 5 to 10 percent increase in local processing of cashew nut production, as reported by the association’s president. These positive outcomes underscore Cambodia’s dedication to maximizing the value and potential of its domestic cashew industry.
Although Cambodia stands as one of the largest cashew nut-producing countries globally, only 10 percent of the commodity undergoes domestic processing. However, the launch of the National Cashew Policy instills confidence in the country’s ability to continually advance its processing capacities and increase value addition within its borders.
Recognized as one of the Kingdom’s promising cash crops, cashew production aligns with Cambodia’s existing agricultural strengths, which include rice, rubber, cassava, palm oil, bananas, mangoes, longans, and pepper. This diverse agricultural landscape positions Cambodia as a significant producer and exporter of various commodities, contributing to the country’s economic growth and global trade relationships.
Cambodia’s remarkable achievement in raw cashew nut exports serves as a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to leveraging its natural resources and propelling its agricultural sector to new heights. With a clear strategic vision and growing recognition in the international market, Cambodia’s cashew industry looks set to continue its upward trajectory, offering both economic opportunities and sustainable growth for the Kingdom.
Source: Khmer Times
