AfricaPress-Tanzania: TANZANIA Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) in Naliendele has urged farmers to use improved cashew nut varieties developed by the institute to increase high crop yield in the international market.
The agricultural officer from TARI Naliendele, Mr Bashiru Libuburu, said farmers had all reasons to bank on the improved cashew nut varieties and production technologies developed by the institute to promote cashew nut production in the country.
“Farmers should rely on the use of the only improved cashew nut planting materials developed by TARI Naliendele as they are fit to double their yields as well as improving the quality of nuts,” he said.
The officer made the call when teaching farmers best farming practices on improved production technologies developed by the national research institute.
Two-day training conducted by TARI Naliendele in collaboration with the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT) brought together participants from Ruangwa, Nachingwea and Liwale Districts in the region.
He said the planting materials obtained on controlled numbers and by order are produced and distributed in TARI Naliendele main station, and others located in Mkumba station in Nachingwea, Mkuranga, Bagamoyo and Chambezi stations in Coast Region, Nanyanga in Tandahimba and Nyangao in Lindi.
He said considerable efforts had been made by TARI Naliendele to develop over 50 improved cashew nut varieties alongside improved production cashew technologies meant to increase cashew nut production in the country.
On the other hand, the institute urged for improved extension services to help build the capacity of cashew nut farmers through better management of improved cashew nut varieties to farmers.
Speaking at the event, farmers asked the research institute to establish cashew nut nurseries at district and ward level to facilitate accessibility of improved planting materials in their respective areas.
The move, according to farmers, will minimise transport costs incurred by farmers in accessing planting materials out of their localities.
Rahisi Maula, a cashew farmer from Nachingwea District, said the establishment of nurseries at district level would also lead to quick adoption of improved cashew nut production technologies by farmers in the region.
“Access to improved cashew nut varieties is a very big limitation to us farmers especially those of us who come from the interior parts of Nachingwea, adopt the improved varieties is another burden to us,” he said.
According to Mr Maula, most farmers obtained the planting materials from their own fields and from local governments. “Obtaining them at local level is also a challenge as we face a lot of bureaucracy,” he said.
Ruangwa Agricultural Officer Musa Maimula said lack of cashew nut nurseries at farmers’ localities caused inadequate and untimely access to improved cashew nut varieties to farmers.
I am interested in Cashew seed for planting in Zimbabwe. Kindly advise how I can get from you to Zimbabwe.
To obtain cashew seeds for cultivation in Zimbabwe, you can follow these steps:
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✅ Step 1: Identify a Reliable Source for Seeds
Cashew seeds are not as widely available as other crops, so it’s important to find a trusted supplier:
1. Agricultural Research Centers in Africa:
o Organizations like ICRAF or institutions specializing in tropical crops may offer seed distribution programs or direct you to certified suppliers.
2. Seed Import Companies:
o Look for agricultural companies in Zimbabwe that import seeds of tropical trees.
o These may help source cashew seeds from Mozambique, Tanzania, or India.
3. Cashew Farms in Neighboring Countries:
o Mozambique and Tanzania are major cashew-producing countries.
o You can connect with farms or cooperatives to get seeds or saplings.
4. International Online Platforms:
o Sites like Alibaba, AgroAfrica, or TradeKey offer bulk cashew seeds.
o Be sure to check seller reviews and request certificates of origin and purity.
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✅ Step 2: What You Should Know Before Planting
• Cashew seeds (raw nuts) require pre-treatment (soaking and drying) before planting.
• Saplings from nurseries are often better for consistent and high-quality yields.
• Zimbabwe’s warm regions (like Manicaland or Matabeleland) are suitable for cashew cultivation.
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✅ Step 3: Who You Can Contact
• Zimbabwe Ministry of Agriculture: For guidance on seed import permits or legal requirements.
• Agricultural NGOs like Zimbabwe Farmers Union or Practical Action Zimbabwe.
• Embassies of cashew-producing countries (e.g., India or Tanzania) may offer technical support or farming contacts.