The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Roberto Albino, challenged the Almond Institute of Mozambique (IAM) to speed up the transformation of the cashew sector, focusing on innovation and quality as pillars for strengthening the value chain of this strategic product for the national economy.

The appeal was made this Wednesday (15), during a working visit to the IAM's facilities, as part of the cycle of meetings with directorates and institutions under the ministry's supervision. Quoted by the portal NganiIn his speech, the president assessed the internal workings of the institute and encouraged the technical team to translate policies into concrete results.

"We need to act with courage and determination. The President's speech is an invitation to reflection and change. The very merger of three ministries in the current sector shows that it's time to do things differently and do them better," said the minister, addressing the IAM staff.

During the technical meeting, the institute presented the balance of the 2024-2025 campaign, which exceeded expectations. The country produced and sold just over 195,000 tons of cashew nuts, exceeding the initial target of 160,000 tons. This growth, driven by good agricultural practices and the commitment of producers, had a direct impact on rural communities, helping to improve the living conditions of thousands of families.

Despite the progress, Roberto Albino stressed that "quantity must go hand in hand with quality" and pointed to strengthening the cashew nut value chain as a priority. The project to develop the chain, to be carried out between 2025 and 2035, will be led by the IAM and aims to generate employment, increase competitiveness and boost the export of processed products.

He also recommended that the institute study the good practices of leading countries in the sector, such as Côte d'Ivoire, and adapt innovative strategies to the Mozambican reality. He encouraged the use of own revenues to finance concrete actions, reducing dependence on the state budget.

"We have to do things differently with what we have - and do them well," he concluded, reaffirming the government's commitment to boosting national production and valuing the potential of Mozambican cashew as one of the driving forces behind rural development and exports.

(Photo DR)