Technology Development in Cashew Benefitted Farmers across the Country

The Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, Karnataka celebrated “Annual Cashew Day” on the theme  "Empowerment of Scheduled Caste Community through Scheduled Caste Sub Plan Programmes”. 

The Chief Guest, Smt. Sindhu Roopesh, I.A.S., Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada District during the celebration said that the various Government schemes will benefit the Scheduled Caste community in improving their livelihood. She said that DK district is known for cashew and farmers can earn good income out of it by following modern practices. 

Dr. Sathish Ullal, Assistant Commissioner, Puttur Division also marked his presence as the Guest of Honor during the occasion. 

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. M.G. Nayak, Director, ICAR-DCR highlighted the contribution of the Directorate in technology development and dissemination related to cashew which benefitted the farmers across the country. 

The renewed interest in cashew cultivation throughout the country in recent years is witnessed due to several advantages of the crop. The demand for cashew in India and abroad is ever increasing and the quality of Indian cashew is well known in international markets. It is suitable for cultivation in dry land areas where irrigation facilities are scarce. New bold nut hybrids and ultra high density planting techniques have ushered in new dimensions in cultivation of the crop. Its climate resilience is yet another benefit over other perennial crops. Assured markets and processing facilities in India have instilled new assurance in farmers. In this context, an attempt to understand the status of cashew research and development in different cashew growing regions of the country assumes paramount importance. This will help in planning and implementation of the activities for further improvement of cashew sector.

Keeping this in view, we have compiled this report on current status by obtaining information from AICRP centers functioning in different states of the country. The information for a state comprises of details such as current scenario of cashew, production statistics, germplasm resources, crop improvement, production and protection efforts, postharvest technologies including recipes and associated traditional knowledge. Initiatives for cashew cultivation among tribal farmers are also included.  

The three publications on Cashew Crop management, inter-cropping and cashew apple processing were released during the occasion. 

A total of 110 farmers along with nursery men, representatives of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Development Departments, NGOs and scientists participated in the event.