Technological Innovations in Cashewnut Production

Abstract

Botanically, cashew is an average size ever green tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family of the genus Anacardium. The scientific name of cashew is Anacardium occidentale L. Cashew is widely cultivated throughout the tropics for its nuts and is a native of tropical American country: Brazil. Though cashew is indigenous to Brazil, India is the country that nourished this crop and made it a commodity of international trade and acclaim. Even today, India is the largest producer, processor, exporter and second largest consumer of cashew kernels in the world (Nayar, 1998). Cashew kernels are eaten as a snack either on its own, salted or sweetened. Cashew kernels are nutty yet pleasanIly sweet in taste. ‘They are relished as garnish in sweets and desserts. Cashew kernels, along with almonds and other dry fruits are being used in various rice dishes such as Hyderabadi-biriyani, rice-pulao etc and in curry (kaaju- shahi-paneer) preparations in Indian, Pakistani and Middle East regions. Though cashew is a hardy crop which can be grown in wastelands and degraded/ marginal lands, it responds very well for improved package of practices. Several technologies have been 384developed in cashew and available to farmers for implementation. One of the possible solutions to enhance the production and productivity of cashew in India is to plant clonanal material (softwood grafts) of high yielding cultivars and adopt proper soil, water and nutrient management. Second approach is to adopt high density planting system or intercropping in cashew with canopy management and third approach is by expansion of cashew area both in traditional and non-traditional areas. Some of the innovative production technologies such as, high yielding cultivars; propapagation technology; top working technology; selection of land for cashew orchards; planting technology; manuring and fertilization; irrigation and drip irrigation; soil and water conservation techniques; high density planting system; training and pruning; use of plant growth substances; weed management; mulching; intercropping in cashew orchards; cover cropping and green manuring in cashew orchards; organic recycling of cashew biomass; organic farming; harvesting and yield; post harvest management and processing of raw nuts; end products’ use- cashew kernels, cashewnut shell liquid, cashew apple products; value added products; scope for generating value added products; are discussed in this paper.