PROFITABILITY OF VALUE ADDITION TO CASHEW FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGERIA

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an economic crop in Nigeria grown in small plantations in almost every State because of the ease of cultivation and need for minimum attention. Cashew apple wastes on plantations and this reduces cashew farming household incomes. This study examined value addition to cashew as a way of preventing farm losses due to wastage and lack of proper storage of the cashew apple Nigeria. The process of value addition involved the kernels being graded, heat treated, shelled roasted and packaged. The apples were crushed, processed to juice and bottled for sale. There was a significant difference (P 0.05) between net income per farmer adding value (US$487.26) and not adding value (US$306.29). Also, the benefit-cost ratio of adding value was 1:2.30.