Cashew Nut

Understanding About Crop

Nutritional Value:

• Cashew nuts are high in healthy fats, mainly monounsaturated fatty acids contributing to heart health.
• Rich source of plant protein, essential minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus.
• Contain antioxidants such as tocopherols and phenolic compounds supporting immune function.
• Low in sugar and a good source of dietary fiber aiding digestion.
• Provide vitamins E, K, and B-complex essential for body metabolism.
• Consumption in moderation supports bone health and nerve function.
• Raw nuts contain small amounts of urushiol; processed nuts eliminate this irritant.

Dietary Diversity:

• Eaten roasted, salted, raw (after peeling), or used in cooking and baking globally.
• Cashew nut paste or butter is an alternative to peanut butter.
• Cashew milk and cream are popular dairy substitutes in vegan diets.
• Oil extracted from cashew nuts is used in cooking and cosmetics.
• Cashew apple fruit juice is consumed fresh or fermented in some cultures.
• Cashews are used in snack mixes, confectioneries, and savory dishes.
• By-products contribute to animal feed and industrial uses.

Economic Importance:

• Cashew cultivation supports millions of small and large farmers worldwide, especially in India, Vietnam, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.
• Nuts and cashew apple products contribute significantly to rural incomes.
• Cashew processing industries create jobs in roasting, peeling, and packaging.
• All about agriculture provides updates on market prices, disease control, and improved cultivation practices.
• Export earnings from cashew nuts support national economies.
• Cashew cultivation promotes livelihood diversification and rural development.
• Growing demand globally offers expanding market opportunities for farmers.

Crop Rotation:

• Cashew is often grown in mixed cropping or agroforestry systems with legumes, cereals, or spices for sustainable production.
• Crop rotation breaks pest and disease cycles, especially soil-borne pathogens and nematodes.
• Intercropping incorporates nitrogen-fixing plants enriching soil nitrogen.
• Rotation prevents nutrient depletion and improves soil structure.
• Enhances biodiversity and reduces chemical fertilizer dependency.
• Supports soil moisture retention and reduces erosion.
• Planning rotation with complementary crops improves overall farm resilience.

Climate Resilience:

• Cashew thrives in tropical climates with temperature between 24–28°C and annual rainfall of 800–1200 mm.
• Can tolerate moderate drought due to deep rooting but is sensitive to waterlogging.
• Prefers well-drained sandy loam to lateritic soils with pH 5–6.5.
• Young trees are vulnerable to frost and winds; mature trees have better resilience.
• Use of mulching and proper irrigation minimizes stress during dry spells.
• Climate-resilient cultivars help in adapting to variable weather patterns.
• Planting on gentle slopes aids drainage and root health.

Health Benefits:

• Cashews promote heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.
• Rich antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Help regulate blood sugar and support weight management due to high protein and fiber.
• Contain zinc and copper important for bone health and immune function.
• Cashew nut oil supports skin health and wound healing.
• Allergies are possible but uncommon with processed nuts.
• Moderate consumption supports overall wellness and vitality.

Key Features

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Cashew grows best in tropical regions with 24–28°C temperature and well-distributed 800–1200 mm annual rainfall.
• Prefers light, well-drained sandy loam, red, or lateritic soils with pH range 5.0 to 6.5.
• Tolerant to drought but sensitive to prolonged waterlogging affecting root health.
• Avoid heavy clay and saline soils which impair growth.
• Requires good sunlight exposure for flowering and fruit setting.
• Protect orchards from strong winds during flowering to minimize fruit drop.
• Soil rich in organic matter improves root development and yield.
• Regular soil testing enables tailored nutrient application.
• Slightly acidic soils enhance nutrient availability.

Land Preparation

• Clear site of weeds, stumps, rocks, and other debris before planting.
• Deep plough or till soil to loosen the top 30–40 cm to aid root development.
• Incorporate 10–15 tons/ha of compost or farmyard manure to improve fertility.
• Create planting pits about 60×60×60 cm, mixing topsoil with organic matter.
• Level the field for even water distribution and prevent waterlogging.
• Ensure good drainage, particularly in heavier soil areas.
• Establish windbreaks on exposed sites if needed.
• Remove weeds thoroughly before planting to reduce competition.
• Avoid planting in frost-prone or saline patches.

High-Yielding and Hybrid Seed Selection

• Select certified seedlings propagated by grafting or budding for uniformity and disease resistance.
• Use improved varieties known for early bearing and high yield such as Vengurla-4, Anakkayam, or local hybrids.
• Avoid using seeds from wild or uncultivated trees to prevent poor performance.
• Purchase planting material from trusted nurseries or government schemes.
• Replace old or poor-yielding trees periodically to maintain orchard productivity.
• Test new varieties in small plots prior to large-scale planting for adaptability.
• Store seeds properly in cool, dry conditions before planting.
• Maintain records of seed sources and performance for future management.
• Use disease-free planting material to limit pest and disease spread.

Seed Treatment

• Treat seeds or grafts with fungicides to prevent damping-off and fungal infections.
• Use biocontrol agents in nurseries to reduce chemical use and improve resistance.
• Maintain hygiene in nurseries and regularly inspect seedlings for pests and diseases.
• Harden seedlings before transplanting by reducing water slightly.
• Avoid overcrowding in seedbeds to prevent disease outbreak.
• Use insect repellents or biological insecticides to control nursery pests.
• Monitor and remove any affected seedlings promptly.
• Use clean tools and gloves to avoid cross-contamination.
• Apply soil solarization if needed to reduce pathogen loads.

Sowing and Planting Methods

• Plant grafted seedlings during onset of monsoon or rainy season for optimal establishment.
• Space trees at 7–9 meters apart depending on variety and soil fertility.
• Plant in pits filled with a mixture of soil and decomposed manure or compost.
• Ensure no contact between graft union and soil to avoid disease.
• Water immediately after planting and maintain moisture during establishment.
• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.
• Stake seedlings if needed to protect from wind damage.
• Fill in any gaps early with healthy seedlings to maintain orchard uniformity.
• Avoid transplanting during extremely dry or frost-prone periods.

Nutrient and Fertilizer Management

• Apply well-decomposed organic manure at 10–15 tons/ha annually to maintain soil health.
• Use recommended fertilizer doses such as 60-90 kg N, 40-60 kg P2O5, 40-60 kg K2O per hectare per year.
• Split fertilizer into multiple applications during vegetative growth and flowering.
• Use micronutrient sprays (boron, zinc) during flowering to promote fruit set.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent excessive vegetative growth reducing nut yield.
• Regular soil and leaf analysis help tailor fertilization programs.
• Incorporate biofertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake and soil microbial activity.
• Suitable timing of fertilizer applications boosts flowering and yields.
• Monitor plant health and adjust nutrient management accordingly.

Irrigation and Water Management

• Cashew trees require moderate irrigation mainly during dry periods for good nut development.
• Drip irrigation promotes water efficiency and healthy root zones by avoiding waterlogging.
• Young plantations need more frequent watering than mature ones.
• Avoid over-irrigation that leads to root diseases and nutrient leaching.
• Mulch improves moisture retention and reduces evaporation losses.
• Schedule irrigation based on rainfall patterns and soil moisture monitoring.
• Rainwater harvesting helps supplement irrigation in dry regions.
• Proper irrigation promotes flowering and reduces premature nut drop.
• Maintain clean irrigation lines to prevent blockage and pathogen spread.

Intercultural Operations

• Regular weeding reduces competition and improves soil aeration for roots.
• Mulching inhibits weed growth, improves moisture retention, and moderates soil temperature.
• Prune dead, diseased, or unproductive shoots to enhance air circulation.
• Remove fallen leaves and nuts to prevent pest and disease build-up.
• Intercrop with nitrogen-fixing plants or vegetables for diversified income and improved soil.
• Avoid heavy machinery near roots to prevent compaction.
• Maintain farm sanitation to minimize pest habitats.
• Train workers in safe pruning and intercultural practices.
• Conduct regular inspections and timely interventions.

Pest Management

• Common pests: tea mosquito bug, stem and nut borers, aphids, and mealybugs.
• Use integrated pest management: pheromone traps, biocontrol agents, and selective pesticides.
• Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
• Remove infested parts and practice sanitation.
• Rotate pesticide groups to prevent resistance build-up.
• Follow recommended pesticide application schedules for best results.
• Employ barrier methods like sticky traps or neem extracts.
• Train laborers for pest identification and safe chemical use.
• Monitor pest populations continuously.

Disease Management

• Diseases: powdery mildew, anthracnose, collar rot, and leaf spot.
• Use resistant cultivars and certified planting materials to reduce risk.
• Apply fungicides during critical growth stages as per guidelines.
• Remove and destroy diseased plant parts promptly.
• Maintain proper spacing to improve airflow and sunlight exposure.
• Avoid overhead irrigation to minimize leaf wetness.
• Practice crop rotation and field hygiene to control pathogens.
• Sanitize tools and pruning instruments regularly.
• Maintain field records for disease monitoring.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

• Harvest nuts when the cashew apples fall or change color indicating maturity.
• Use sharpened tools to avoid damaging trees during nut collection.
• Separate nuts from apples and dry nuts under the sun for 3–4 days.
• Store dried nuts in moisture-free conditions for extended shelf life.
• Follow proper roasting of shells to remove caustic oils before shelling.
• Grade nuts by size and quality for market preference.
• Process nuts into kernels and other products to add value.
• Maintain hygiene in processing areas to avoid contamination.
• Prompt marketing reduces post-harvest losses and ensures better prices.

Other Important Points

• Cashew orchards contribute to agroforestry and biodiversity.
• By-products like cashew shell liquid have industrial applications.
• Allergies to cashew nuts exist; consume processed forms with care.
• For updated farming practices, pest alerts, and market information visit All about agriculture.