In anticipation of spotlighting excellence in the agrarian sector, Cambodia is set to hold the inaugural Cashew Nutrition Competition in 2024, as confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The event, which is being organized by the Department of Agriculture and Industry, marks a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural domain, particularly for cashew processing entrepreneurs.
A total of 20 contestants have been shortlisted to participate in this prestigious contest. The competition will unfold in two phases: the preliminary round is scheduled for May 9 and 10 in Siem Reap, while the final round will be conducted on May 24 in the capital city, Phnom Penh. Im Rachana, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, brought this development to light during a recent briefing.
The competition’s core goal is to spotlight and promote the most promising practices in cashew processing within the national borders. The emphasis will be on innovative processing techniques, competitive marketing strategies, and the incorporation of unique flavor enhancements into the final product.
Silot Uon, the President of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), highlighted the competition’s significance in stimulating the local processing industry. He pointed out the abundant availability of raw cashew nuts (RCN) in the country, urging local investors to pay close attention to the agro-industry and enhance local processing capabilities.
Technical advancement and food safety norms resonate as top priorities. Takayuki Imahashi, a Business Planning Officer from MIRARTH Agri Tech Co Ltd, emphasized the critical necessity for technological upgrades and adherence to hygiene standards. Factories with sophisticated packaging capabilities enable cashew products to command a premium in the market, reflecting the enhanced value due to quality packaging and hygienic processing.
Francois-Xavier Richard Choquette, Managing Director of Aidens Cashews, added a perspective on certification barriers faced by local producers. The lack of official certifications restrains producers from reaching their full market potential. There is a substantial need for support in navigating certification procedures, benefiting not just farmers but all stakeholders in the cashew value chain, including processors and manufacturers.
Aligning the growing and harvesting stages with processing and transformation efforts is critical. Such integration would empower Cambodian manufacturers to further add value to their cashew outputs, which is imperative, just as it is for other prominent industries like mango, rice, and pepper production.
Meeting the ambitious goals of the National Cashew Policy, which aims for 25 percent growth by 2027 and 50 percent by 2032, requires a concerted focus on several fronts. Among the essential steps are the standardization of processing methods and the cultivation of a skilled labor force. Training for factory managers, effective financial planning, and collaborative endeavors between the government and industry stakeholders are pivotal for achieving these growth targets. It is the synergy of these collective efforts that will underpin the achievement of Cambodia’s far-reaching aspirations for its cashew industry.
Source: Khmer Times
