Cashew Processors in the Bono Region have cited lack of financial support, inadequate equipment and high cost of raw cashew nuts as the major obstacles to unlocking the full potential of Cashew processing in Ghana.
This came up during a panel discussion which preceded an exhibition of Cashew Products in Sunyani.
The exhibition formed part of the 10th Edition of the Master Training Programme on the Cashew Value Chain in the region.
Having been identified as a cash crop that can boost the economy, Government introduced a ten-year Cashew Development Plan and established the Tree Crop Development Authority with a view to promoting Cashew plantation for export.
Within Africa, a Master Training Programme on making better the Cashew Value Chain was introduced by the Competitive Cashew Initiative and partners to produce experts to help make African Cashew more competitive.
The Third Session of the 10th Edition of the Master Training Programme in Sunyani afforded Ninety trainees of the MTP an insight into Cashew Processing in Ghana.
The aim among other things was to discover potentials for various Cashew products as well as expose processors to improved packaging systems.
An exhibition was also mounted to display the various by-products of Cashew nuts.
Speaking with GBCNEWS, one of the exhibitors, George Nkrumah Sarfo emphasized inadequate finance as the main factor mitigating against the full potential of cashew processing in Ghana.
He intimated that with financial support he could create 200 jobs to process 5000 metric tons of Cashew with ready market for the farmers.
A Food Scientist from the Ho Technical University, Zeenatu Adams also touched on the potential for exporting processed cashew products.
The Exhibition was preceded by a Panel Discussion on Cashew Processing, which the panel unanimously agreed that it is more beneficial than the export of raw cashew nuts.
It also served as a platform for the Exhibitors and the Trainees of the Master Training Programme to discuss the experiences of Cashew Processors.
