Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale)

Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) Plant Guide

Local Indian Name: Hindi: (Kaju), Tamil: (Mundhiri) Malayalam: (Kasuvandi), Kannada: (Godambi), Telugu: (Jeedi Pappu), Marathi: (Kaju), Gujarati: (Kaju)

Scientific Name: Anacardium occidentale

Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew Family)

Category: Perennial Tree

Subcategory: Fruit and Nut Crop

Native Region: Native to Northeastern Brazil, but widely cultivated in India, Vietnam, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Introduction

Cashew is a tropical evergreen tree primarily grown for its nut and pseudo-fruit (cashew apple). India is one of the largest producers and processors of cashew nuts, with major cultivation in Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Importance:

• One of the most valuable export crops for India.

• India is a major exporter of processed cashew kernels.

• Used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.

• Supports heart health and weight management.

• Contains antioxidants that boost immunity.

• Used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties.

Industrial Uses:

• Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is used in paints, varnishes, and lubricants.

• Cashew apples are used in juices, jams, and alcoholic beverages.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: Grows up to 10-15 meters.

• Leaves: Broad, oval, and leathery.

• Flowers: Small, pinkish-white, fragrant flowers.

• Fruit:

  • Cashew Apple: A swollen, juicy, pear-shaped pseudo-fruit.

  • Cashew Nut: Hard-shelled seed attached to the bottom of the apple.

Major Cultivation Regions in India:

• Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Varieties and Cultivars

High-Yielding Varieties:

1. Vengurla (V-4, V-7, V-8): High kernel recovery rate.

2. Bhaskara: Large nut size, grown in Karnataka.

3. Ullal-1, Ullal-3: Popular in Kerala.

4. BPP-8, BPP-9: Suitable for coastal areas.

5. Goa Dhana: A high-yielding variety from Goa.

Global Varieties:

• W180, W210, W240: Internationally graded based on nut size.

Location and Light

• Requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

• Best suited for tropical and coastal regions.

• Tolerates drought and saline conditions but thrives in warm, humid environments.

Soil Preparation

• Prefers sandy loam, red laterite, or well-drained soils.

• Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (slightly acidic).

• Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.

• Organic matter like compost and farmyard manure improves soil fertility.

Planting

• Propagation: Grown from seeds or grafted saplings.

• Planting Season: Best time is June – August (monsoon season).

• Spacing: 7-9 meters apart to allow full canopy development.

• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and control weeds.

Watering

• Young Plants: Regular watering for the first 2-3 years.

• Mature Trees: Drought-tolerant, requires watering only during flowering and fruiting.

• Drip irrigation recommended for commercial plantations.

Pruning

• Formative Pruning: Done in the first 3-4 years to develop a strong framework.

• Maintenance Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches for better airflow and light penetration.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

1. Tea Mosquito Bug: Damages young shoots and flowers.

2. Thrips and Mealybugs: Suck sap from leaves, reducing plant vigor.

3. Stem Borers: Tunnel into branches, weakening trees.

Common Diseases:

1. Powdery Mildew: Affects leaves and flowers.

2. Anthracnose: Causes black spots on fruits and leaves.

3. Root Rot: Fungal disease due to poor drainage.

Management Practices:

• Use neem oil and biopesticides for pest control.

• Ensure proper spacing and ventilation to reduce fungal infections.

• Apply Bordeaux mixture to prevent fungal diseases.

Environmental Conditions

• Climate: Prefers tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

• Temperature: 25°C – 35°C.

• Rainfall: 1,500 – 2,500 mm annually.

• Altitude: Grows well up to 1,000 meters above sea level.

Propagation

• Seed Propagation:

• • Fresh, mature seeds are used for direct planting.

  • Takes 3-5 years to bear fruit.

• Vegetative Propagation:

• • Grafting and Air Layering ensure high-quality and early-yielding plants.

  • Preferred for commercial plantations.

Uses

Culinary Uses:

• Cashew nuts are used in sweets, snacks, and gravies.

• Cashew apples are processed into juices, jams, and fermented liquor (Feni in Goa).

Industrial Uses:

• Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL): Used in paints, resins, and brake linings.

• Oil Extraction: Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Medicinal Uses:

• Contains anti-inflammatory and heart-protective compounds.

• Helps in blood sugar regulation and bone health.

Monetary Benefits

• Yield per tree: 8-12 kg of nuts per year from a mature tree.

• Market price: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per kg for raw cashew nuts.

• 1-acre plantation: Can yield 800-1200 kg per year, generating ₹8-12 lakhs annually.

• High export demand, especially in USA, UAE, and Europe.

References

1. National Research Centre for Cashew (ICAR-NRCC), India

2. Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)

3. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – Cashew Market Reports

4. State Agricultural Universities – Cashew Farming Guidelines