CAC News
Kampong Thom, Cambodia — The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) has expressed concern over unfavorable weather conditions that are negatively affecting cashew production during the 2026 harvest season, warning that continued disruptions could lead to significant yield losses.
According to the CAC, a series of unusual weather events began with late-season storms in November 2025, which disrupted the normal growth cycle of cashew trees by delaying the emergence of new shoots. The situation worsened in early January 2026, when another storm further postponed the flowering stage, an essential phase for cashew development.
Most recently, a second wave of storms has delayed fruit-setting across many cashew-growing regions in the country. Fruit-setting is a critical stage that determines the final output of cashew production.
Farmers are now dealing with persistent overcast skies and scattered rainfall, conditions that are unfavorable for cashew cultivation. Normally, cashew trees require warm temperatures and clear skies during the dry season to grow and produce high-quality nuts. However, the past three consecutive months of gloomy weather have created conditions that increase the risk of plant diseases and pest infestations.
As a result, many farmers have been forced to spend more on crop maintenance, pest control, and disease management, significantly increasing production costs and reducing their potential profits.
In addition to the challenging weather, farmers are also facing fuel problems, which are affecting their ability to operate agricultural machinery needed for harvesting and pest control. Industry representatives say the issue has been exacerbated by global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted fuel supplies in some markets.
With limited diesel availability in the country, many cashew farmers are struggling to secure enough fuel to run equipment used for transporting and farm management. This has forced some producers to collect and handle cashews manually while coping with both adverse weather conditions and rising operational costs.
Silot Uon, Chairman of CAC, warned that if the unfavorable weather continues and logistical challenges persist, Cambodia’s cashew production for the 2026 season could face serious setbacks, affecting both farmers’ incomes and the country’s cashew supply chain.
