By Bondry Kilenga.
Cashew nut farmers in the Karamoja region under Karamoja mixed farmers Cooperative are gearing up for the distribution of cashew nut seedlings that is scheduled to start on March 26th, 2025.
The distribution will commence in Kotido district, followed by Kaabong, Karenga, and Abim districts in North Karamoja while the farmers in Napak, Moroto, Nabilatuk, and Nakapiripirit can collect their seedlings from Nakicumet Learning Center or Moroto upon special request.
Mark Abuku, the coordinator Karamoja cooperative farmers association says the project is a game-changer for the farmers and expects the number of farmers to reach 1,000 in the next five years, with over 500,000 trees planted.
Abuku says that currently, the association has up to 231 farmers who have ordered for over ten thousand cashew nut seedlings for planting at the onset of the rainy season.
According to Abuku, to ensure optimal yields, the farmers underwent training in March on planting, maintenance, and care of cashew nut trees by Sasakawa Africa Association Uganda that will provide the seedlings at a subsidized price of 5,000 shillings per seedling and also ready market for the harvest.
Types of Cashew Trees:
Traditional Can grow up to 14 meters (46 ft.) tall and take three years to start producing, with economic harvests after eight years.
Dwarf: Grow up to 6 meters (20 ft.) tall and start producing after the first year, with economic yields after three years.
Cashew trees have an estimated economic lifespan of 45 years but can live up to 100 years. Traditional cashew trees yield about 0.25 t (0.25 long tons; 0.28 short tons) per hectare, while dwarf varieties can yield over a ton per hectare.
Cashew nuts offer numerous benefits, including nutritional value, economic benefits, industrial uses, and medicinal properties
