(Ecofin Agency) - The African cashew sector remains on the rise. Experts say production for the crop in the region in 2016 could surge to 1.8 million tons thus recording a 20% growth.

The N’kalo bulletin indicates that farmers will get FCFA450 per Kg as global demand for this crop ceases not increasing, especially in the US and India where it recorded a 10% increase. This would be due to the current drought striking California, main cashew production basin in America.

However, everybody will not benefit from this trend and West Africa’s processing industry is likely to suffer from these promising results in production. Indeed, local industrials will have difficulties handling the high prices that presently strain them and as a result of this, operating their facilities will be extremely challenging.

Nevertheless, it could be possible for them to overcome these challenges as highlights N’Kalo saying: “the biggest challenge this year will be the ability to export huge quantities of cashew as ports are rapidly going to be saturated”.

Aaron Akinocho