THE ruling CCM has directed the government to fast-track the Maranje Industrial Park project, spanning 1,572 acres, intended as a hub for cashew nut processing.

This initiative responds to erratic global demand and heavy dependence on foreign markets that have not met farmers' expectations.

Dr Emanuel Nchimbi, CCM Secretary General issued these directives while addressing residents of Mnazi Mmoja in Lindi Region, following his visit to Mtwara as part of party-strengthening tour.

During a brief meeting, a resident raised concerns about the low prices of cashew nuts this year.

Dr Nchimbi also asked Francis Alfred, Director of the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT), to explain the situation.

Alfred attributed the issue to fluctuations in global demand for raw cashews over the past two years. He assured that the government plans to implement the Maranje Industrial Park initiative to boost domestic processing capacity and create new market opportunities.

"The Maranje Industrial Park project located in Nanyamba Municipal in Mtwara is crucial to this strategy," Alfred said. "Compensation has been provided to residents displaced by the park's construction. The first phase involves developing 354 acres, including infrastructure."

He also noted that the Ministry of Agriculture is working with investors to establish factories within the park.

By 2030, the park aims to process all domestically produced cashews, targeting an output of 1,000,000 tonnes.

The park will also house factories for cashew-derived products such as oil, ethanol, juice, and wine, as well as for sunflower oil and other crops. Alfred estimated that the park would feature over 30 factories and create at least 35,000 jobs.

"Funding for the necessary infrastructure has been allocated," he added.

The government has increased subsidies for agricultural inputs from 21.22bn/- in 2021/22 to a projected 188bn/- in 2023/24.

This boost has lowered production costs, with the average cost per kilogram dropping to 740m/- despite an average selling price of 1,874/-. This financial support has notably improved profitability for local farmers.

Dr Nchimbi urged the relevant ministries to expedite local cashew nut processing to better support farmers.

Earlier, Dr Nchimbi called upon farmers to sell processed cashews saying this was the only way they could transform their economic lives.