Cashew for Cash

KAMPONG THOM, 16th March 2017 – A cashew nut business was officially inaugurated and presided over by H.E. Vimean Kong, the deputy governor of Kampong Thom province. The celebration was held at the cashew nut warehouse in Mareak village, Kreul commune, in Prasat Balang district, Kampong Thom.

Founded from six Agriculture Cooperative (AC) groups in Kampong Thom comprising 975 members, the business would benefit 2,725 people, including 1,090 children. A tonne of cashew nuts costs 2,500 US dollars based on current market price.

The cashew nut business operates with the support of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Provincial Department of Tourism, Provincial Department of Information and World Vision International Cambodia under the Cambodian Sustainable Business Development (CSBD) project, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The project aims to build and strengthen the capacity of AC members to better manage their businesses and link products to buyers and markets.

The income would minimize the number of migrations by creating jobs in the area. This business improves the life of families, who will use the income to support their children's schooling and healthcare needs.

Malen You, Senior Project Manager for CSBD, said: “The cashew nut business is a unique product for Kampong Thom province among the many ventures operated by the AC. Through this business, AC members will be able to increase income for households that contribute to the well-being of their children.”

Theng Thorn, Deputy Head of Mreakponleuthmey Beiphomsamakey Agriculture Cooperative, said: “The income would minimize the number of migrations by creating jobs in the area. This business improves the life of families, who will use the income to support their children's schooling and healthcare needs.”

H.E. Vimean Kong expressed his appreciation to the AC groups who have been working together to promote potential local products. He pledged continuous support and assistance in identifying markets for these businesses. He also suggested that ACs and local businessmen keep increasing their knowledge in order to improve the quality of their cashew nut products.

Through CSBD, World Vision has been working with 124 ACs across Phnom Penh and nine provinces comprising 23,574 members in total. The project would directly, and indirectly, benefit 37,461 and 41,825 children respectively.  

Andy Hunter, Senior Economic Development Consultant of World Vision Australia, enthused: “This is the first time we are seeing a large of group of ACs combined. I really appreciate the strong support from the government and local authorities in general, as well as strong support from the Information, Agriculture, and Tourism departments as well. I do believe that the ACs will be sustainable and become independent business owners. I am glad to see them taking up the challenge.”