Cashew Farming: Turn Poor-Quality Land into a Golden Opportunity
π± Cashew Farming: Can Turn Poor-Quality Land into a Gold Mine
For a farmer, land is not just a piece of soil. This land is the hope of his family, the dream of his children’s future, and the biggest partner in his hard work. But when this land is rocky, gravelly, or less fertile and other crops cannot grow properly on it, it becomes a matter of concern for the farmer.
For such land, cashew farming comes forward as a ray of hope.
The special thing about cashew is that where grains, pulses, oilseeds, and other horticultural crops face difficulty in growing, cashew can still grow quickly. This is why cashew is considered a very important crop for making poor-quality land useful.
Cashew is not only a tasty dry fruit. Its kernel is rich in protein, its fruit can be used to make products like juice, syrup, and jam, and its cultivation, processing, and marketing can also create employment opportunities.
The most interesting thing is that cashew was not originally a plant of India. It was brought to India from Brazil. Initially, its purpose was to prevent soil erosion, but over time its economic importance became clear, and today it is counted among the major crops of India.
π₯ 1. Why is Cashew Farming Special for Farmers?
The biggest feature of cashew farming is its strength. It can grow even on land where conditions are not suitable for other crops.
Cashew also likes gravelly, rocky, and low-nutrient soil. Therefore, for farmers who have such land and consider it less useful, cashew cultivation can be an important option.
This is also the reason why cashew is called a βgold mineβ for barren land.
For a farmer, if land that has not been giving enough production for a long time becomes useful through cashew plants, then it will not only be a change in farming, but it can also become a new possibility for the farmer’s income and future.
Cashew kernels are also important from a nutritional point of view. According to available information, about 18 grams of protein is found in 100 grams of cashew. It also contains vitamin C in good amounts.
β€οΈ 2. Cashew is Not Just a Dry Fruit, It is a Complete Opportunity
People generally know cashew as a tasty dry fruit. Cashew kernels are used for eating and can be easily eaten anywhere.
But from a farmer’s point of view, the story of cashew is much bigger than this.
The cashew tree helps in bringing land into use. Its kernels create economic value. Many value-added products can be made from its fruit, and its production and processing can also create employment.
This means that the benefits of cashew farming are not limited only to the farm.
The fruit of the cashew tree is called cashew apple. Its weight can be around 50 to 75 grams. Many products like juice, syrup, and jam can be made from its juice.
Research has also shown the possibilities of preparing many other products from cashew, including cookies.
π 3. Journey of Cashew from Brazil to India
Today, cashew farming is so common in India that very few people think that this plant was once not a part of India.
Cashew was brought to India from Brazil in the 16th century. The Portuguese are credited with bringing it to India. They first grew it in Goa.
But at that time, the purpose of bringing cashew to India was not to produce its kernels.
One major purpose was to prevent the problem of soil erosion caused by rainwater. The cashew plant does not grow very tall and spreads above the ground, forming a canopy-like shape. It was considered useful for preventing land erosion caused by rainfall in coastal areas.
Later, people understood the importance of cashew fruits and kernels and started its cultivation.
In this way, a foreign plant brought from Brazil slowly became an important part of Indian agriculture.
π 4. How Much Cashew Farming is Done in India?
The area under cashew farming in India is quite large.
According to available information, cashew is cultivated in around 1.2 million hectares of land. It produces around 7.82 lakh tonnes of cashew kernels.
But the current productivity is reported to be around 800 kg per hectare.
This is where the biggest opportunity in cashew farming can be seen.
Scientists have developed good varieties. Systems for crop production and crop protection have also been developed. Through these technologies, the potential to achieve productivity of 3 to 4 tonnes per hectare has been reported.
This means that increasing only the area under cashew is not enough. Increasing the productivity of existing orchards is also very important.
π 5. Role of Cashew in the Goal of Developed India
With the development of India, the need for food and agricultural production will also increase.
According to available information, in the context of the goal of a developed India by 2047, the requirement for cashew is expected to reach 45 to 50 lakh tonnes.
Current production is much lower compared to this requirement. Therefore, to meet future demand, it will be necessary to focus on increasing both production and productivity in cashew farming.
Another important point comes up here.
India’s cashew processing capacity has already developed much more than its domestic production. It is estimated that facilities for processing around 20 lakh tonnes of cashew are available, while domestic production is reported to be around 7.82 lakh tonnes.
Because of this, India imports cashew from other countries for a large part of its requirement and then processes it in India and exports it.
π¬ 6. Why are Good Cashew Varieties Important?
Good variety has a very important role in the success of any crop.
India is a vast country and different types of climates are found here. Therefore, one variety of cashew cannot be equally useful for every region.
For this reason, cashew varieties are being developed and selected according to different climates and regional conditions.
Work on the best cashew varieties is being carried out in 16 to 17 states of the country. Centres have been established in agricultural universities and agricultural research institutes. These centres work under the All India Coordinated Research Project, and the Directorate of Cashew Research located in Karnataka monitors this work.
πΏ 7. Major Improved Varieties of Cashew
During the last four to five decades, around 45 improved varieties have been selected.
Among these, different varieties have been recommended for different states and climates.
π΄ 7.1. Karnataka
For the coastal areas of Karnataka, varieties like Red-134 and Bhaskar have been mentioned.
For the plain areas of Karnataka, Chintamani and other varieties have been recommended.
π΄ 7.2. Kerala
For Kerala, varieties like Madak Van, Madad-2, Kanak, Dharana, and Priyanka have been mentioned.
π΄ 7.3. Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, varieties like Anguli-1, 4, 6, and 7 are said to be popular and recommended.
π΄ 7.4. Goa
In Goa, varieties like Mulya-1, 4, 6, 7, as well as Goa-1 and Goa-2 have been mentioned.
π΄ 7.5. West Bengal
In West Bengal, varieties like Jhargram-1 and BPP-8 have been identified.
π΄ 7.6. Odisha
In Odisha, varieties like Bhubaneswar, BPP-8, and Dharana have been found to be good.
π΄ 7.7. Tamil Nadu
For Tamil Nadu, varieties like VRI-1 and VI-5 have been mentioned.
π΄ 7.8. Andhra Pradesh
For Andhra Pradesh, varieties like BPP-4, BPP-6, and BPP-8 have been mentioned.
These examples make it clear that selecting a variety according to the climate of the region is important in cashew farming.
π± 8. Nursery and Propagation of Cashew Plants
Along with developing good varieties, it is also necessary to prepare their plants in large numbers.
The propagation of cashew plants is being carried out on a large scale. Propagation means increasing the number of plants.
There are cashew nurseries in the country, in which around 100 registered nurseries have been mentioned.
Around 2 crore plants are being prepared every year in these nurseries.
New cashew orchards are planted using these plants. In old orchards, damaged or unproductive trees are removed and new plants are also planted in their place.
This can help in developing new orchards as well as making old orchards useful again.
ποΈ 9. Why is Cashew a Boon for Poor-Quality Land?
A farmer’s biggest concern increases when the land does not give enough production despite hard work.
Cashew gives hope at such a time.
According to available information, cashew can grow even in gravelly, rocky, and low-nutrient soil.
It is cultivated more in the southern states, but it can also be grown in other coastal areas and northeastern regions.
In this way, land that is considered difficult for other crops can be brought into use for cashew plantation.
This can also help in preventing land degradation. Along with this, there is also a possibility of creating employment through the production, marketing, and processing of cashew kernels.
This is why cashew farming is not only a crop related to the farmer’s income. It is also connected with better use of land and employment.
π‘οΈ 10. What Kind of Climate is Required for Cashew Farming?
Cashew farming is mainly done in the southern states, but it can also be grown in other coastal areas and northeastern regions.
According to available information, areas where the temperature does not go below 15 degrees during winter and does not go above 35 degrees during summer are considered suitable for cashew.
There should be no frost in the area.
Cashew also has a deep connection with rainfall. In areas where the rainy season begins, the rainy season is considered the appropriate time for planting cashew.
Therefore, understanding the local climate and rainfall timing is important in cashew farming.
π§οΈ 11. When Should Cashew Be Planted?
The rainy season is considered the most important time for planting cashew.
Planting can be done from around the end of June. In some areas of Kerala and Karnataka, if the rains start early, plants can also be planted at the end of June.
In Odisha and Andhra Pradesh also, planting can be done early according to the rainfall.
In Tamil Nadu, planting in November, December, and January has been mentioned according to the rainfall conditions.
In areas like West Bengal and the northeastern states of Tripura and Meghalaya, cashew can also be cultivated during the rainy season.
Therefore, the most important thing for a farmer is to decide the planting time by keeping the rainfall and climate of their area in mind.
π 12. How to Prepare Pits Before Planting a Cashew Orchard?
For a good crop, it is important to pay attention to field preparation.
According to available information, pits can be dug at a distance of 7 Γ 7 metres or 8 Γ 8 metres about two to two and a half months before planting.
The length, width, and depth of the pit are mentioned to be around 50 to 60 centimetres.
Filling each pit with two baskets of cow dung manure makes the soil loose and crumbly. This can help the plant grow during its early stage.
A cashew plant can achieve full growth in around seven to eight years depending on soil fertility and care.
π 13. Manure and Nutrition for Cashew Plants
Nutrition is also important for the good growth of cashew.
In the first year, around 40 grams of nitrogen, 25 grams of phosphorus, and around 40 to 50 grams are mentioned as required.
Apart from this, according to availability, 10 to 15 kg of well-rotted cow dung manure or compost can be used per plant every year.
It has been mentioned that the amount of manure can be kept stable after five to six years.
For a fully grown tree, information has been given about applying 50 to 60 kg of cow dung manure, 250 to 300 grams of nitrogen, the same amount of phosphorus, and 400 grams of potassium.
This makes it clear that although cashew is considered a strong crop, it still needs proper nutrition for good growth and production.
π§ 14. How to Irrigate Cashew Farming?
Most cashew-producing areas are on sloping land, and the soil is also gravelly and poor in many places. It has been mentioned that irrigation facilities are not available in such areas.
Still, the period of around three to four months during flowering and fruit development is important.
During this period, if water can be given four to five times while checking the moisture in the soil, it is considered very good.
Water can be given through a water tanker or bucket.
If possible, installing a drip irrigation system can also be useful. It has been reported that this can lead to a significant increase in cashew productivity.
π 15. Which Insects Cause Damage to Cashew?
Cashew is considered a strong crop. The risk of insects and diseases in it is said to be relatively low.
Still, some insects can damage cashew.
Mainly, two insects have been mentioned:
- Cashew Mosquito Bug
- Root and Stem Borer
The cashew mosquito bug is small and looks like a mosquito. During flowering, it sucks the sap from the flower panicles. This can reduce kernel production and cause a significant decrease in productivity.
The root and stem borer, as its name suggests, makes holes in the roots and stem. It can grow more in orchards that are not properly maintained.
If its impact becomes high, the plants can become weak and may even dry up.
The presence of some fallen material around the stem of the plant is also mentioned as a sign of the effect of this insect.
βοΈ 16. Why is Pruning of Cashew Trees Important?
Pruning is said to have a major contribution to the good growth of cashew.
Pruning can be started when the plant is around one year old and continued for three to four years.
Proper pruning gives the plant a good shape and can help it produce more flowers and fruits.
It is useful to develop a canopy through which sunlight can easily pass.
This availability of sunlight can also help in preventing insect attacks.
Therefore, just planting a cashew plant is not enough. Proper care and pruning during the early years are also important.
πΏ 17. Importance of Nutrition During Flowering and Fruiting
When cashew plants start flowering and producing fruits, it is considered important to pay attention to nutrition.
According to available information, doing this during flowering and fruiting has shown an increase in quality and a meaningful increase in productivity.
Therefore, in cashew farming, understanding the condition of the soil and providing nutrition accordingly can be important.
βοΈ 18. How are Cashew Kernels Graded?
The size of the cashew kernel affects its market value.
According to available information, cashew kernels are mainly divided into three categories.
π₯ 18.1. Bold Category
Nuts that are more than 9 grams in size are placed in the bold category.
π₯ 18.2. Medium Category
Nuts of around 6 to 9 grams in size are placed in the medium category.
π₯ 18.3. Small Category
Nuts smaller than 6 grams are placed in the small category.
Cashew gets its market value according to its grade. Therefore, for a farmer, not only higher production but also good quality and properly sized kernels are important.
π 19. Cashew Processing Capacity in India
The demand for cashew is increasing, but domestic production is said to be insufficient according to the requirements of the processing industry.
Because of this, India has to import cashew from other countries.
Cashew is brought to India from African countries like Tanzania and Ghana. According to available information, cashew is produced there, but the processing capacity is not as developed. Therefore, cashew comes to India and is used in the processing industry here.
This is also an important opportunity for India.
If cashew production increases in the country and productivity improves, the availability of raw materials for the domestic processing industry can increase.
π 20. Recognition of Indian Cashew in the World
Indian cashew is recognised worldwide for its quality.
India is among the world’s leading countries in cashew production, processing, and exports.
This achievement is not only of the industry. Behind it is also the hard work of farmers who take care of cashew trees on difficult land and under challenging conditions.
In cashew farming, the farmer’s hard work starts from the farm and reaches processing and the market.
This is why it would not be enough to see cashew only as a crop. A complete chain of farming, processing, marketing, and employment is connected with it.
π± 21. What Opportunities Does Cashew Farming Offer to Farmers?
Cashew farming creates opportunities for farmers at many levels.
First opportunity β Use of poor-quality land.
Where other crops do not grow well, cashew can be planted.
Second opportunity β Preventing land degradation.
The spread of cashew plants can be useful for land conservation.
Third opportunity β Dry fruit production.
Cashew kernels are an economically important product.
Fourth opportunity β Value addition.
Products like juice, syrup, and jam can be made from cashew apples.
Fifth opportunity β Employment.
There is potential for employment generation through the production, processing, and marketing of cashew kernels.
This means cashew farming can go beyond the farmer’s field and become a part of a larger economic system.
β€οΈβπ©Ή 22. Why is the Story of Cashew Inspiring for Farmers?
There is a very deep message hidden in the story of cashew.
The same plant that was once brought to India with the aim of preventing soil erosion later became one of the major crops of the country.
This story gives a message of hope to farmers.
Sometimes, the land that we consider weak may itself hide the beginning of another possibility.
A farmer may feel disappointed after seeing gravelly land. Seeing rocky land, they may feel that nothing can grow here. But cashew can still find its way on such land.
That is why calling cashew a gold mine of poor-quality land is not just a metaphor, but points towards the possibility of making even difficult land useful.
πΎ 23. The Biggest Message for Farmers
A farmer’s hard work is never small.
Planting a plant may be easy, but taking care of it for years, facing the impact of weather, protecting it from insects, providing water and nutrition at the right time, and then taking its produce to the market is a test of a farmer’s patience.
The cashew tree also takes time. According to available information, it can achieve full growth in around seven to eight years.
Therefore, cashew farming is a type of farming connected with patience and care.
But its special feature is that it gives an opportunity to use land that is considered difficult for other crops.
This is its biggest strength for the farmer.
β 24. Important Questions Related to Cashew Farming
Q1. What type of land is suitable for cashew farming?
Cashew can grow even in gravelly, rocky, and low-nutrient soil. Land where other crops do not grow well can be an option for cashew.
Q2. When should cashew be planted?
Cashew is generally planted during the rainy season. The planting time can be different in different regions according to the timing of rainfall.
Q3. What distance should be maintained between cashew plants?
According to available information, pits can be prepared at a distance of 7 Γ 7 metres or 8 Γ 8 metres.
Q4. What are the major insects that affect cashew?
Cashew mosquito bug and root and stem borer are mentioned among the major insects that cause damage.
Q5. When should pruning of cashew plants be started?
Pruning is mentioned to be started when the plant is around one year old and continued for three to four years.
Q6. What can be made from cashew fruit?
Value-added products like juice, syrup, and jam can be made from cashew apples. Research has also mentioned the possibilities of making other products, including cookies.
π Conclusion: Cashew Farming is a New Hope for Poor-Quality Land
The story of cashew farming gives us not only information about agriculture but also hope.
A plant that once came to India from Brazil, which was initially planted to prevent soil erosion, is today included among the major crops of India.
Its biggest strength is that it can grow even on gravelly, rocky, and low-nutrient land. Land that farmers often consider less useful can become a new opportunity for cashew.
Cashew farming is being done across a large area in India. The country’s processing capacity for cashew is also quite developed. Indian cashew is famous worldwide for its quality, and India has an important role in the areas of production, processing, and exports.
Even then, there is a gap between domestic production and processing capacity. Therefore, increasing cashew production and productivity can be important in the coming time.
Cashew farming can be improved by focusing on aspects such as selecting good varieties, choosing plants according to the region, planting at the right time, providing manure and nutrition, necessary irrigation, pruning, and protection from insects.
The most important thing is that cashew is not just a tree that gives kernels.
It can become a means of making poor-quality land useful,
a way to prevent land degradation,
a possibility for increasing the farmer’s income,
a raw material for the processing industry,
and an opportunity to create employment.
For a farmer, perhaps the biggest message from this is:
The land that brings disappointment today may have a tree of hope standing on it tomorrow.
And the cashew tree is a strong example of this hope.
π± Cashew Farming: Hope in Poor-Quality Land, Possibility in Hard Work, and a New Path for the Farmer’s Future.
π Sources and References
The information for this article has been taken from the DD Kisan programme βKrishi Vishesh β Cashew: Gold Mine in Barren Land.β
Source: DD Kisan β Krishi Vishesh β Cashew: Gold Mine in Barren Land
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