Macadamia nuts
2023-05-03 11:21:13
local Tanaka MakuwazaMacadamia nuts farmers in Chipinge are pushing to value add the crop prior exportation so as to maximize their profit margins. Macadamia Farmers Association Secretary General, Mr James Maisiri said in Europe the processed and packed nuts are earning four pounds for 150 grammes whereas here the nut in shell is being bought at US$0.80c per KG. Mr Maisiri further called on government and other stakeholders to assist with value addition machinery in a move to scale up the production. Currently the country had 12 000 hectares under macadamia nuts, producing between 8 000 and 10 000 tonnes of the nuts in shells.
