<p><strong>The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved a programme to sustainably grow the cashew industry, which targets output rising to 400,000 tonnes by the end of this decade from 286,000 tonnes now. Scientists check cashew plant growth in Dong Phu District, Binh Phuoc Province. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved a programme to sustainably grow the cashew industry, which aims to boost output to 400,000 tonnes by the end of this decade from the current 286,000 tonnes. It also has a target of doubling the ratio of fully processed nuts to 20 per cent and processing more cashew shell and wood to add value.</strong></p> <p><strong>Besides, domestic cashew consumption is expected to account for half of the total output, up from around 10 per cent now. The programme also seeks to review and tweak cashew zoning plans; replace aged trees; and develop intercropping models, high-quality seedlings, and advanced farming techniques. The four provinces of Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Binh Thuan will remain the main cashew cultivation areas, with a combined growing area of 200,000ha compared to the country's total cultivation area of 300,00ha. To achieve all these targets, the industry will take measures like modernising technologies and equipment to expand processing capacity, improve quality, diversify, and ensure hygiene and food safety. The Government will continue to invest in developing high-quality strains that are resistant to diseases and climate change. More research will be undertaken to increase mechanisation in caring for, harvesting and processing cashew, and agricultural extension activities will be stepped up.</strong></p> <p><strong>The industry will step up training to meet its future needs. Trade promotion will be strengthened both at home and abroad to enable the industry to meet the export target of more than US$2.5 billion by 2020 as well as increase consumption in the domestic market. The industry will step up co-operation with international organisations for developing new strains and farming and processing techniques. According to the Crop Production Department, the area under cashew has reduced significantly to around 310,000ha now. The industry expects exports this year to be around 300,000 tonnes worth $2 billion, a record figure, according to the Viet Nam Cashew Association.</strong></p>