Economic Analysis Of Cashew Cultivation In Tamil Nadu: A Micro Level Empirical Study

Abstract

Agriculture is the primary sector of our country giving livelihood and employment opportunities for vast majority of Indian rural population. India was the first country to hit the world market with cashew kernels and it was shed who pioneered cashew processing as an industry. Even though not much is known of the origins of the industry, it has been recorded that cashew processing on a commercial scale was first started in the mid 1920s. India is the third largest producer and exporter of cashew in the world next only to Vietnam and Nigeria.. The average yield of all these varieties is 8 to 10 kg. Of cashew per tree, i.e. one tone of nuts per hectare. Therefore, the yield per cashew tree is estimated at 8 to 15 kg. Cashew plantation of Cuddalore District has been considered to be the key source of global gardens for VRI 3 cashew graft production in Tamilnadu and Panruti Cashews have unique demand in the world market for its nut quality. The present study tries to analyse the aspects of cashew cultivation in one of the Cashew intensive area of Tamilnadu, Panruti Taluk, Manadikuppam Revenue Village. The specific objectives are to know the social economic status of farmers in the study area; to analyse the farm size wise and cost wise and returns of cashew cultivation in the study area to explore the problems faced by farmers in the Cashew cultivation in the study area and to suggest possible policy measures for strengthening cashew cultivation in the study area. It is very obvious that he State has taken all efforts to increase agricultural production, enhance productivity and explore the untapped potential in general and cashew cultivation in particular. To conclude, to encourage the Cashew Economy further in the study region a combined efforts by the Department of Horticulture, Rural Development Agencies, Educational and Research Organisations, Service Organisations like Lions Club, Rotary Club, Jeycees etc functioning in the study area by arranging Farmers Awareness Campaigns, Exhibitions, Extension Activities etc, are needed and it is a fond hope that which can ensure for flourishing the Cashew cultivation in the study region