The government has decided to maintain the reference price for cashew nuts at 45 meticais per kilo for the 2025/26 marketing year. The decision was announced this Friday (10) in Maputo by the director-general of the Mozambique Almond Institute (IAM), Ilídio Bande, at the close of the first session of the Almond Committee..

The decision, according to the government official, is the result of an analysis of current national and international market conditions, as well as the production costs presented by producers.

"We've seen that the international market conditions are for a large supply of chestnuts, which could probably lead to lower prices. On the other hand, we've also seen the production costs that have been presented here by the producers, to which a profit margin of 15% applies, in the light of Decree 78/2018, so that the producer feels encouraged to produce and to follow good practices," explained Bande.

Quoted by AIM, he acknowledged that the current market context is challenging, but stressed that the regulation guiding the sector allows the reference price to be revised whenever necessary.

"The same regulation states that if there is an increase or decrease of 10%, the committee can meet and decide on a new price. That being the case, it's time to propose that we maintain the price of 45 meticais and then go to the market to see what happens in practice," he explained, stressing that the legal instrument that guides the sector allows for adjustments to the reference price depending on actual market conditions.

On the occasion, the Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries, Momed Juízo, confirmed the decision and called for continuous monitoring of the market. "After weighing up all the aspects raised by producers and other players in the value chain, the position that remains is to maintain the reference price at 45 meticais. The committee may meet again if the market shows significant variations," he said.

Juízo reiterated that the value defined is only a reference, as provided for in current legislation, and could be adjusted depending on the dynamics of the sector. "Let's be clear, it's a reference price, as has been explained here by several speakers."

The session was attended by producers, exporters, government representatives and partners in the sector, who reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to promote a stable and competitive agricultural campaign.

 

(Photo DR)