Cashew nut producers are concerned about the reference price of 45 meticais per kilo announced by the government for the 2025/26 marketing year. The concern was expressed this Friday (10), in Maputo, on the sidelines of the first session of the Almond Committee.

According to a AIMThe producers say they are facing difficulties in obtaining optimum yields and in preserving the nuts. "I think production will fall in the coming years, because there is no yield. We really need assistance from technicians, because there are certain producers who don't have adequate drying or packaging systems and the nuts can spoil quickly," said Miguel Matsimbe, a producer from Inhambane province.

For his part, João Picar, a producer from Nampula, pointed out the challenges in marketing and the importance of dialogue between producers and exporters, as well as the participation of the government in analyzing the products. "We think it's important for there to be negotiation between the two parties, the producer and those involved in the sector. The government has included producers in the analysis of their products, and that's very important."

The producers also stressed the need for ongoing technical support, better storage and packaging practices, and market monitoring, in order to ensure sustainable yields and reduce losses during chestnut conservation.

(Photo DR)