• Tanzania cashew output rises 17% to record 617,683 tons

• Production growth continues, though below 700,000-ton target

• Government plans subsidies to boost yields and support farmers 

Tanzania produced 617,683 metric tons of cashews in the 2025/26 season, the agriculture ministry said on April 30, according to local media.

The figure represents a 16.98% increase from the 528,000 tons harvested in the previous season and sets a new record for the industry. It nonetheless fell short of the 700,000-ton target set at the start of the season.

The increase marks a third consecutive year of output growth. With more than 90% of the annual harvest exported raw, higher output is expected to boost export revenues.

The industry, which has long struggled with volatile production, now faces the challenge of sustaining this momentum. Ahead of the 2026/27 season, authorities are moving to support output. On April 27, the Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT) announced an input subsidy programme targeting nearly 550,000 farmers.

"The inputs include 51,000 metric tons of sulfur powder and six million litres of liquid pesticides, aimed at raising productivity and farmers' incomes," local outlet The Citizen reported, citing CBT data.

Stéphanas Assocle