RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CASHEW NUT SHELLING MACHINES IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Cashew nut shelling is known to be the most challenging activity in the nut processing line due to inherent hardness of its shell, fragile kernel, presence of caustic phenolic resin-hazardous substance and inconsistent morphological characteristics of the nuts. To address this, machines have been developed but presently, there is scarcity of information on the state of research on home-grown cashew nut shellers in Nigeria. This study is revealing and suggestive whether the present state is worth sustaining or demanding for improvement of research and development in this area to foster efficiency, product quality and capacity of the cashew kernel industry. Therefore, the state of cashew nut shelling machines in Nigeria was examined through thorough literature review. Recommendations for further development of efficient and appropriate cashew nut shelling machines were suggested after observing some inefficiencies associated with home-grown designs and developed machines. Most of them are characterized by lack of process optimization, inadequate performance evaluation, low capacity rating, and product quality. Challenges ranging from scarcity of review information in this area to inadequate research and lack of investment in the industry were identified to be responsible for this trend.