ASSESSMENT OF CASHEW (Anacardium occidentale) NUTS HANDLING METHODS BY FARMERS’ IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed handling methods for cashew nuts in Osun State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on the post-harvest handling method for cashew nuts by farmers. Data were analyzed descriptive statistics. The results showed that 83% of the cashew farmers were males, at between 50 and 60 years old on average. Majority (33%) of the respondents cultivated 6 hectares of land. The Cashew hybrid variety was well adopted by farmers. The seeds were sourced mostly from research institute. Main problems observed by cashew farmers were immature fruit drop. The major diseases of cashew were the leaf scab disease and fruit rot. Majority (56%) of the cashew farmers processed their cashew nut manually at high cost. Majority of the farmers (46 %) sold their cashew at local markets. Some of them (49 %) supply cashew to industries About 71% of the cashew farmer used chemical to control pest. Majority of cashew farmers transported their cashew through vehicle with inadequate ventilation that leads to spoilage of the fruits. Most of the farmers (66%) inherited the land used for cashew farming. Based on the study findings, formation of viable cooperatives is recommended in order to boost cashew production and resolve the challenges faced by farmers.