CASHEW NUT (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Origin: Brazil

Botanical Name: Anacardium occidentale

Family: Anacardiaceae

➤ Soil
Performs well in poor, sandy, lateritic, or red soils with good drainage. Soil pH 5.5–6.5 is ideal. Avoid saline and heavy clay soils.

➤ Climate
Tropical and warm sub-tropical conditions with 600–1200 mm rainfall. Tolerates drought and high temperatures (up to 40°C).

➤ Varieties
Vengurla series (V1–V7), BPP-6, Ullal-1, NRCC Selection-2, and Bhaskara.

➤ Propagation
Vegetative propagation (softwood grafting, air layering) preferred over seed propagation for uniformity and early bearing.

➤ Planting
Spacing: 7 x 7 m or 8 x 8 m. Pits: 60 x 60 x 60 cm filled with FYM and topsoil. Planting is done during the monsoon.

➤ Irrigation
Generally rainfed, but supplemental irrigation during flowering and fruiting increases yield significantly.

➤ Manuring & Fertilization
Apply 500 g N, 125 g P, and 125 g K per tree annually. Organic matter improves soil health and nut quality.

➤ Intercropping
Pineapple, groundnut, legumes, and minor millets can be grown in early years. Enhances income and soil utilization.

➤ Pests & Diseases
Pests: Tea mosquito bug, stem and root borers.
Diseases: Dieback, powdery mildew. Regular pruning, neem oil, and copper fungicides help in control.