Brian Jeffrey
Concern arises in Vietnam as cashew imports reach $2.3 billion in just over seven months, driven by a shift towards durian farming over cashew cultivation, a move lamented by Agriculture Minister Le Minh Hoan.
Once a top exporter of cashew kernels, Vietnam is experiencing a decline in local cashew production as farmers opt for the more profitable durian crop.
Recent data from the General Department of Customs reveals imports of approximately 1.88 million tons of raw cashews valued at nearly $2.3 billion by mid-August this year.
The decrease in local cashew cultivation areas, coupled with rising global demand and competitive pricing from African and Cambodian suppliers, is fueling this trend.
Industry stakeholders, including the Binh Phuoc Provincial Cashew Association, are alarmed by the influx of inferior imported cashews tarnishing the reputation of local brands.
This shift jeopardizes Vietnam’s status as a key cashew exporter and threatens the agricultural diversity and economic stability of rural regions reliant on cashew farming.
Aware of the challenges, Minister Hoan expressed his worries during a recent visit to a cashew-rich area, Bu Dang in Binh Phuoc, where farmers revealed their inclination towards durian cultivation for its higher profitability. The Minister called for innovative solutions to revitalize cashew farming.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development advocates for value-adding approaches to cashew lands, such as intercropping with red reishi mushrooms, to boost farmers’ income.
Efforts are underway to enhance the connection between cashew growers and processors through initiatives like the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program with the goal of ensuring the sustainability of the cashew industry.
