4 December 2018 at 16:37
OVERVIEW
The first ever recorded exports of cashew nuts from Ghana was in 1991, amounting to 15 metric tons and rose to 3,571 metric tons in 1997 (MOFA, 2007). According to the Ghana Export Promotion Council (2005), in 2002, the country exported 3,893 metric tons of cashew valued at US$1,450,306. This export figure increased by 79.15% in 2003 to 6,338 metric tons, which was valued at US$1,598,636 (MOFA, 2007). Annual export of raw nuts reached 47,000 metric tons in 2006, contributing to approximately US$23 million in foreign exchange earnings. This figure is considered small when compared with World excess demand of 430,000 metric tons of raw nuts, valued at US$270 million, and growing at a rate of 5-8% per annum (MOFA, 2007). A means of substantially solving the demand-supply gap afore mentioned is by embarking on increasing small-scale cashew production. However, the rationale of this effort must be anchored on the analysis of the profitability and viability of cashew production (MOFA, 2007). Therefore, this study was designed to assess the profitability of cashew production in Ghana.
BENEFITS
The apple is very rich in nutrients, 3 times greater than orange in vitamin C. syrup can also be produced from the apple. The nut kernel contains 21% vegetable protein is as rich as milk, egg and meat in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Shell oil or fluid is a byproduct that contains a combination of anacardic acid and cardol. It is used in the manufacturing of materials that is resistant to heat, friction and caustic products. It is used in clutch plates, special isolators, varnish and plastic materials.
USES OF CASHEW NUT
The cashew nut kernel is constituted of three different portions namely the shell, the kernel and the adhering testa. The primary product of cashew nuts is the kernel, which is the edible portion of the nut and is consumed in three ways:
- Used directly by the consumer.
- Used as roasted and salted nuts.
- Used in confectionery and bakery
Products, for example, finely chopped kernels are used in the production of sweets, ice creams, cakes and chocolates, both at home and industrially and as paste to spread on bread.
The relative importance of these uses varies from year to year and country to country, but it is estimated that at least 60 percent of cashew kernels are consumed as salted nuts.
Separately packed cashew nuts are a good selling line, mainly as an appetizer to cocktail drinks.