PROSPECT OF ORGANIC CASHEW PRODUCTION IN INDIA

Abstract

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an important dollar earning crop of India with a variety of explorable potentiality and versatility embedded in it. India is the largest producer, processor and exporter of cashew in the world. The world demands for the organically produced cashew are growing rapidly in developed countries. Organic cashew fetches a premium price in the international market. The most important organic cashew nut producing countries are Brazil, Madagscar and Sri Lanka. In India only 15% of the total area under cashew cultivation receives chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemical. The remaining 85% area produces organically by default with utilization of naturally decomposed biomass but yield is very low. So, there is wide scope to bring a vast area under organic cashew cultivation with improved package of practices for maximization of production and uplifting the position in the international market. Organically cashew graft may be produced by using potting mixture containing sand:soil:cowdung + biofertilizer, for rootstock production. The mid- and late season cultivars like ‘Bhaskara’, ‘Dhana’, ‘Amrutha’, ‘Priyanka’, ‘Dhayashree’, ‘Madakatra-2’ are best suited for organic farming. The organic forms of nutrients in recycling of biomass generated in plantation improve soil health. The field should be kept free of undesirable vegetation. Intercrops can be raised in the first 3-4 years. The plantation can be protected against tea mosquito bug and stem borer using ecofriendly strategies. A concentrated approach is needed in production, improvement and processing technology, so that we can face the challenges posed by other countries and to retain the world trader as far as cashew is concerned.