THE government through the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT) has started construction of an industrial park in Mtwara Region which will accommodate cashewnut processing factories to add value to the cash crop.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde unveiled this in the National Assembly on Wednesday, saying that the government has commenced implementation of the cashewnut processing project at Maranje village in Mtwara Region.

He was responding to a question by Agnes Hokororo (Special Seats CCM) who wanted to know about the timeline for the construction of cashewnut industrial park at Maranje Nanyumbu District.

He said that as of June 10, 2024, valuation of the project area of 1,572 acres had been completed, including compensation payments to the residents.

 The deputy minister said the government has allocated 7.5bn/- to CBT for the construction of the infrastructure in an area of 354 acres out of 1,572 acres.

“The activities carried out so far include clearing the area, starting drilling of water wells and extending electricity to the area. Additionally, a contractor has been engaged to construct internal gravel roads and build two warehouses and a cashewnut processing building in the area,” he said.

He further said that the government through CBT has already begun discussions with domestic and foreign investors to establish value-added cashewnut processing factories in the area.

Silinde noted that women currently engaged in cashewnut processing will be the primary beneficiaries of the project. He emphasized that the construction of a health centre will be included as a component of the project.

Construction of the cashewnut industrial park is aimed at ensuring that Tanzania no longer exports raw cashewnuts.