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Research article · 2025 · Full text

International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science

Cashew nut industry in India: Production, processing and marketing

Sagar R HirparaDilip R. VahoniyaBhautik BagdaAlvira Rajwadi

Volume 7(9) · Pages 326–333 · DOI: 10.33545/2664844x.2025.v7.i9d.763 ↗

Research areasGinkgo biloba and Cashew Applications

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Abstract

Author-written

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) holds global significance as one of the most important plantation crops, contributing substantially to rural employment, industrial development, and India’s foreign exchange earnings. Introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, cashew has evolved into a major agro-based industry, with India now ranking as the second-largest producer and processor worldwide. This paper comprehensively examines the cashew sector in India, covering its history, global and domestic production trends, cost of cultivation, profitability, processing techniques, marketing channels, products and by-products, SWOT analysis, and institutional support. Findings reveal that despite cashew’s profitability and its role in livelihood security, challenges such as low orchard productivity, high processing costs, and dependence on imported raw nuts persist. At the same time, opportunities exist in mechanization, product diversification, and value addition, supported by agencies like the Directorate of Cashew Nut and Cocoa Development (DCCD) and the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI). Strengthening productivity, enhancing processing efficiency, and expanding value-added products will be crucial for sustaining India’s competitiveness in the global cashew industry.

Summary

Source-checked

Plain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.

  1. Why it matters

    • Cashew is a globally significant plantation crop that supports rural employment, industrial growth, and foreign exchange earnings for India. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Cashew is a globally significant plantation crop that supports rural employment, industrial growth, and foreign exchange earnings for India.

      In the paper's own words

      “Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) holds global significance as one of the most important plantation crops, contributing substantially to rural employment, industrial development, and India’s foreign exchange earnings.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • The global market for cashews is valued at roughly USD 12 billion, primarily fueled by increased kernel consumption. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      The global market for cashews is valued at roughly USD 12 billion, primarily fueled by increased kernel consumption.

      In the paper's own words

      “The global cashew market is valued at approximately USD 12 billion, driven primarily by the rising consumption of cashew kernels.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • A significant disparity exists in the supply chain where farmers receive a much smaller portion of the final consumer price for value-added products. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      A significant disparity exists in the supply chain where farmers receive a much smaller portion of the final consumer price for value-added products.

      In the paper's own words

      “However, farmers often receive a much smaller share of the final price compared to what consumers pay for value-added products.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  2. The question

    • The paper aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the Indian cashew sector, including production trends, costs, profitability, processing, and marketing. View evidence ↗

      The question

      The paper aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the Indian cashew sector, including production trends, costs, profitability, processing, and marketing.

      In the paper's own words

      “This paper comprehensively examines the cashew sector in India, covering its history, global and domestic production trends, cost of cultivation, profitability, processing techniques, marketing channels, products and by-products, SWOT analysis, and institutional support.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  3. What they did

    • The review utilizes data from specific regions, such as South Goa for establishment costs and Ratnagiri district for marketing channel price spreads. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The review utilizes data from specific regions, such as South Goa for establishment costs and Ratnagiri district for marketing channel price spreads.

      In the paper's own words

      “Table 4 presents the establishment cost of cashew nut plantations in South Goa district for different farm-size categories.”

      Page 4

      “Table 10 presents the price spread for different marketing channels in Ratnagiri district.”

      Page 6

      Found in: State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • The study employs a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the Indian cashew industry. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The study employs a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the Indian cashew industry.

      In the paper's own words

      “Findings reveal that despite cashew’s profitability and its role in livelihood security, challenges such as low orchard productivity, high processing costs, and dependence on imported raw nuts persist.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Indian scenario of cashew nut

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  4. What they found

    • Between 2021 and 2023, global cashew production was approximately 3.94 million metric tons, with India contributing about 20% of this total. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Between 2021 and 2023, global cashew production was approximately 3.94 million metric tons, with India contributing about 20% of this total.

      In the paper's own words

      “Global production of cashew nuts reached approximately 3.94 million metric tons during 2021-2023. Africa contributes the largest share at 53%, followed by Asia with 41%. India accounts for about 20% of global production”

      Page 2

      Found in: Top cashew-consuming countries

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
    • In India from 2013-14 to 2023-24, cultivation area increased from 1,010.8 to 1,199.1 thousand ha and production rose from 753.2 to 794.9 thousand MT, though productivity declined from 745.1 to 674 kg/ha. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      In India from 2013-14 to 2023-24, cultivation area increased from 1,010.8 to 1,199.1 thousand ha and production rose from 753.2 to 794.9 thousand MT, though productivity declined from 745.1 to 674 kg/ha.

      In the paper's own words

      “The area under cashew cultivation has shown a gradual increase from 1,010.8 thousand ha in 2013-14 to 1,199.1 thousand ha in 2023-24. Production has fluctuated but shows a slight upward movement, rising from 753.2 thousand MT to 794.9 thousand MT over the same period. Productivity, however, has been inconsistent, declining from 745.1 kg/ha in 2013-14 to 674 kg/ha in 2023-24”

      Page 3

      Found in: Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • The average cost to establish a cashew plantation is ₹1,72,538.67/ha, with the highest expense occurring in the first year at ₹51,905.50/ha. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The average cost to establish a cashew plantation is ₹1,72,538.67/ha, with the highest expense occurring in the first year at ₹51,905.50/ha.

      In the paper's own words

      “The overall average establishment cost was ₹1,72,538.67/ha, with the first-year investment (planting cost) contributing the largest share (₹51,905.50/ha)”

      Page 4

      Found in: State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 4 ↗
    • Across farm categories, the average yield is 883.25 kg/ha for nuts and 13,000 kg/ha for apples, with an average net return of ₹66,342.49/ha and an input-output ratio of 1:1.69. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Across farm categories, the average yield is 883.25 kg/ha for nuts and 13,000 kg/ha for apples, with an average net return of ₹66,342.49/ha and an input-output ratio of 1:1.69.

      In the paper's own words

      “Average yield of cashew nut (main produce) was 883.25 kg/ha, while cashew apple (by-produce) averaged 13,000 kg/ha across farm categories. The average gross return was ₹1,62,655/ha, resulting in an average net return of ₹66,342.49/ha and an input-output ratio of 1:1.69”

      Page 5

      Found in: State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 5 ↗
    • Medium-sized farms are the most profitable, achieving the highest yields (914 kg/ha) and the best input-output ratio (1:1.83). View evidence ↗

      What they found

      Medium-sized farms are the most profitable, achieving the highest yields (914 kg/ha) and the best input-output ratio (1:1.83).

      In the paper's own words

      “Medium farmers recorded the highest yields (914 kg/ha), gross returns (₹1,70,275/ha), and net returns (₹77,072.72/ha), achieving the most favorable input-output ratio (1:1.83).”

      Page 5

      Found in: State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 5 ↗
  5. What it means

    • The authors recommend prioritizing high-yielding varieties, better crop management, and processing mechanization to increase productivity and reduce costs. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The authors recommend prioritizing high-yielding varieties, better crop management, and processing mechanization to increase productivity and reduce costs.

      In the paper's own words

      “To strengthen the Indian cashew industry, priority should be given to improving farm productivity through high-yielding varieties and better crop management, along with mechanization in processing to reduce costs and improve efficiency.”

      Page 8

      Found in: State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 8 ↗
    • Profitability can be enhanced by diversifying value-added products from cashew apples and shell liquid (CNSL) and by strengthening direct marketing channels for farmers. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      Profitability can be enhanced by diversifying value-added products from cashew apples and shell liquid (CNSL) and by strengthening direct marketing channels for farmers.

      In the paper's own words

      “Expanding value addition and product diversification, particularly from cashew apples and CNSL, will enhance profitability. Strengthening direct marketing channels can increase farmers’ share in consumer prices.”

      Page 8

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 8 ↗
    • The industry is limited by low mechanization, which increases costs, and inadequate infrastructure that disadvantages producers. View evidence ↗

      What it means

      The industry is limited by low mechanization, which increases costs, and inadequate infrastructure that disadvantages producers.

      In the paper's own words

      “Low mechanization limits efficiency and increases production costs. Inadequate infrastructure and uneven market conditions can disadvantage producers.”

      Page 7

      Found in: Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 7 ↗

Visual summary

3 visuals

Illustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.

AI-generated illustration
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) and its derived products). It explains the idea and does not show study data.↗ Enlarge
Cashew Value Addition
AI-generated conceptual illustration (Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) and its derived products). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

AI-generated conceptual illustration (Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) and its derived products). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

Open full-size image ↗

Cashew Value Addition

AI-generated conceptual illustration (Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) and its derived products). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
Area (‘000 ha) and Production (‘000 MT) and more: 2013-14 vs 2014-15 vs 2015-16 vs 2016-17 vs 2017-18
Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

Area (‘000 ha) and Production (‘000 MT) and more: 2013-14 vs 2014-15 vs 2015-16 vs 2016-17 vs 2017-18

Replotted from Table 2 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 6 (page 5) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
Main produce (nuts in kg): Marginal vs Small vs Semi Medium vs Medium
Replotted from Table 6 (page 5) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 6 (page 5) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

Main produce (nuts in kg): Marginal vs Small vs Semi Medium vs Medium

Replotted from Table 6 (page 5) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗

Figures & tables

From the original paper
Cashew growing countriesFigure 1Page 2Production quantities of cashew nuts with shell in the WorldFigure 2Page 2Top 10 cashew-consuming countriesTable 1Page 3Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in IndiaTable 2Page 3Top 10 cashew nut producing countries (tonnes)Figure 3Page 3State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashewTable 3Page 4Establishment cost of cashew cultivation (₹/ha)Table 4Page 4Annual cost of cultivation of cashew from 5th year onwards (₹/ha)Table 5Page 4Yields obtained and returns realized in cashew cultivation (5th year onwards) (₹/ha)Table 6Page 5Flow chart of the processing of cashew nutFigure 4Page 5Grading parameterTable 7Page 6Project cost of small-scale cashew processing unitTable 8Page 6Marketing channels for raw cashew nutTable 9Page 6Price spread in different marketing channels of cashew (Ratnagiri district)Table 10Page 6Different grades of cashew nutFigure 5Page 6
FULL TEXT Original article · reflowed for reading

Introduction

Anacardium occidentale, commonly known as the cashew tree, is a tropical evergreen species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Native to South America, it is now cultivated extensively across many tropical regions for its valuable nut and cashew apple. According to Yousafzai et al. (2022) [14] , cashews rank third globally in nut production and are traded worldwide, with around 32 countries engaged in commercial production. The global cashew market is valued at approximately USD 12 billion, driven primarily by the rising consumption of cashew kernels. Increasing health awareness and higher disposable incomes in emerging economies such as China, Vietnam, and India have further contributed to this growth (Pattanayak et al., 2023) [13] . Indian cashews are globally recognized for their superior texture and quality (Directorate of Cashew nut and Cocoa Development, 2023). To enhance revenue generation, employment opportunities, profitability, food security, and global competitiveness, it is essential to prioritize the systematic cultivation and promotion of cashew production. However, farmers often receive a much smaller share of the final price compared to what consumers pay for value-added products. A lack of effective collaboration among farmers, processors, and intermediaries within the supply chain has restricted farmers' share of returns, highlighting the need for improved market integration and cooperative strategies (Das et al., 2021) [6] .

History

The cashew tree, native to northern South America, was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century primarily for soil erosion control along the coastal belt. The crop adapted well to Indian conditions and spread along the west and east coasts, particularly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Commercial-scale cultivation began in the early 1960s, transforming cashew into an exportoriented commodity that generates significant foreign exchange. Cashew nut processing as an industry started in the 1920s when Roch Victorian established operations in Quilon [12] .

Use of cashew nut

Cashew kernels are a major snack and ingredient in confectionery, bakery products, and health foods. Their high content of unsaturated fatty acids makes them beneficial for cardiovascular health. By-products such as Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) are extensively used in industrial applications, including resins, brake linings, and coatings. The cashew apple is processed into juice, jams, and fermented beverages, providing additional value streams (Kumar et al., 2012) [12] .

Global scenario of cashew nut

Global scenario of cashew nut

Top cashew-consuming countries

Global consumption of cashews is led by India, which accounts for the largest share with 301,719 MT, followed by the United States (143,256 MT) and Germany (35,930 MT).

Other major consumers include European countries, Australia, Canada, and Japan, indicating a strong international demand for cashew kernels (World Atlas, 2023).

Indian scenario of cashew nut

Cashew is cultivated across 17 states in India, primarily along the coastal belts. Major growing regions include Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala on the west coast, and Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal on the east coast. In recent years, cultivation has expanded to non-traditional areas such as the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the plains of Karnataka, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. The cashew industry is one of the oldest agrobased industries in the country, employing over one million workers, the majority of whom are women from socioeconomically weaker sections. This sector plays a significant role in rural livelihood security and contributes to the country's foreign exchange earnings through kernel exports (CMIE, 2024; CEPCI, 2025) [5,4] .

Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

Table 2 presents the trends in area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India over the past decade (2013-14 to 2023-24). The area under cashew cultivation has shown a gradual increase from 1,010.8 thousand ha in 2013-14 to 1,199.1 thousand ha in 2023-24. Production has fluctuated but shows a slight upward movement, rising from 753.2 thousand MT to 794.9 thousand MT over the same period. Productivity, however, has been inconsistent, declining from 745.1 kg/ha in 2013-14 to 674 kg/ha in 2023-24, suggesting the need for interventions such as improved varieties, better crop management, and mechanization (CMIE, 2024) [5] . have the lowest productivity levels (<400 kg/ha) (DCCD, 2024) [8] . The establishment cost of cashew cultivation includes the cost of planting seedlings in the investment year (1 st year) and the maintenance costs during the 2 nd , 3 rd , and 4 th years, until the plantation starts flowering. These costs are then annualized from the 5 th year onwards using an amortization rate of 10% to estimate the annual cost of cultivation over the orchard's productive lifespan. [11] .

Table 2. Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India
YearArea (‘000 ha)Production (‘000 MT)Productivity (kg/ha)
2013-141,010.80753.2745.1
2014-151,029.50744.9723.6
2015-161,035.60670.9647.9
2016-17978.3744.7761.2
2017-181,062.00817769.3
2018-191,105.40742.7671.9
2019-201,125.20702.7624.5
2020-211,158.90738636.8
2021-221,183.90751.8635.1
2022-231,195.10781.9654.3
2023-241,199.10794.90674

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Table 2
Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

Area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

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State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew nut in India

The annual cost of cultivation of cashew plantations (from 5 th year onwards) in South Goa district is presented in Table 5. Hired human labour accounted for the highest cost component across all farm-size categories, ranging from ₹28,490/ha in marginal farms to ₹30,140/ha in medium farms, contributing about 30-32% of total costs. This was followed by the rental value of owned land (≈₹20,000/ha, ~21%) and miscellaneous costs (≈₹19,740/ha, ~20%). The average total cost of cultivation was ₹96,312.51/ha, with the following cost structure: This breakdown highlights that labour and land costs are the most significant contributors, indicating potential for cost reduction through mechanization and better resource management (Kaviraj, 2023) [11] . 6 summarizes the yield, gross and net returns, and profitability indicators for cashew nut cultivation from the fifth year onwards in South Goa district. Average yield of cashew nut (main produce) was 883.25 kg/ha, while cashew apple (by-produce) averaged 13,000 kg/ha across farm categories. The average gross return was ₹1,62,655/ha, resulting in an average net return of ₹66,342.49/ha and an input-output ratio of 1:1.69, indicating that cashew cultivation is profitable.

Table 5. Annual cost of cultivation of cashew from 5th year onwards (₹/ha)
Sr. No.ParticularsMarginalSmallSemi MediumMediumSample Avg.
1Hired human labour28490.0029000.0029510.0030140.0029285.00
2Application of FYM3750.003500.003220.002800.003317.50
3Weeding (weed cutter machine)1766.591720.001624.001500.001652.65
4Miscellaneous19978.7519803.1119724.1619453.5019739.88
5Plant protection1120.00977.00910.00865.00968.00
6Interest on working capital5510.535500.015498.825475.855496.30
7Cost A60615.8760500.1260486.9860234.3560459.33
8Depreciation of capital assets2000.002000.002000.002000.002000.00
9Rent value of owned land20000.0020000.0020000.0020000.0020000.00
10Land revenue50.0065.0080.0095.0072.50
11Interest on fixed capital1200.001200.001200.001200.001200.00
12Cost B83865.8783765.1283766.9883529.3583731.83
13Family human labour6600.004500.003000.001200.003825.00
14Cost C90465.8788265.1286766.9884729.3587556.83
15Managerial cost9046.598826.518676.708472.948755.68
16Total cost99512.4597091.6395443.6793202.2996312.51

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Table 5
Annual cost of cultivation of cashew from 5th year onwards (₹/ha)

Annual cost of cultivation of cashew from 5th year onwards (₹/ha)

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Medium farmers recorded the highest yields (914 kg/ha), gross returns (₹1,70,275/ha), and net returns (₹77,072.72/ha), achieving the most favorable input-output ratio (1:1.83). This suggests that economies of scale positively influence profitability in cashew cultivation. Farm business income, family labour income, and farm investment income followed a similar pattern, with medium farms showing the highest values, reflecting their better resource utilization and returns (Kaviraj, 2023) [11] .

Processing of cashew nut

India pioneered cashew nut processing and was the first country to export cashew kernels to the global market. Raw cashew nuts (RCN) collected from farms are quickly processed to preserve quality. Farmers separate the nut from the cashew apple and sun-dry them before sale. The processing industry then converts raw nuts into kernels through a series of well-defined steps (Anon., 2019) [2] .

Drying

Drying is the first step after procurement. Raw cashew nuts are dried to a maximum moisture content of 9% to prevent deterioration during storage. This can be done on clean concrete floors, tarpaulins, or using modern electric drying machines. Well-dried nuts are packed in jute sacks for warehousing and year-round use. Steaming also concentrates the corrosive cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) into a jelly-like form, protecting workers' hands.

Pre-Treatment

Pre-Treatment

De-Shelling

De-shelling separates kernels from shells and aims to maximize whole kernels while minimizing breakage. Shells are removed using manual tools or mechanized machines, with manual separation often required due to incomplete machine efficiency. Protective measures include applying vegetable oils or wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation from CNSL. Kernels are categorized into whole, broken, and rejects. Shells and residual CNSL are repurposed as fuel, biofuel, or processed further, enhancing sustainability.

Oven drying and humidification

Kernels undergo thermal shock, alternating drying and humidification, to loosen the testa without damaging the kernel. Special ovens (Borma) or thermal shock chambers combine these steps efficiently, facilitating subsequent peeling.

Peeling

Peeling removes the testa from the kernel using mechanized machines and manual methods. Mechanized peeling uses friction and air pressure but may leave residues, requiring manual finishing. Thermal shock effectiveness and kernel peelability influence peeling efficiency, with mechanized peeling resulting in more broken kernels than manual methods.

Grading

Grading classifies kernels by color, shape, and size. Color categories include white (W), scorched (S), and desert (D), while shape categories include whole (W), butts (B), splits (S), pieces (P), and baby bits (BB). Size is expressed in nuts per pound (180, 210, 240, 320, 450). For example, WW180 refers to a White Whole kernel of size 180. After grading, kernels are conditioned to 3.5-4% moisture to prevent breakage or clumping, fumigated to control pests, and packed according to buyer requirements. Vacuum packing with CO₂ and nitrogen extends shelf life, while tin packaging is preferred in Gulf countries. Packaging facilities must comply with international food safety standards to ensure quality and export readiness.

8. Project cost of a small-scale cashew processing unit Table 8 presents the estimated cost for establishing a smallscale cashew processing unit with a total project cost of ₹158.54 lakh. Major cost components include building and civil structures (₹50.00 lakh) and plant and machinery (₹60.14 lakh), which together account for over 69% of the total investment. Land acquisition and development represent a relatively small share (₹3.30 lakh), while margin money for working capital (₹36.09 lakh) and contingencies (₹5.51 lakh) ensure smooth operations and provision for unforeseen expenses (Anon., 2021) [3] .

Table 8. Project cost of small-scale cashew processing unit
Sr. No.ParticularsAmount (₹ Lakh)
1Land3
2Land development0.3
Sub Total3.3
3Building and civil structures (sqm)50
4Plant and machinery60.14
5Miscellaneous fixed assets1
6Preliminary & pre-operative expenses2.5
7Margin money for working capital36.09
8Contingencies @ 5 per cent5.51
Total project cost158.54

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Project cost of small-scale cashew processing unit

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Figures and tables from the paper

Figure 1. Cashew growing countries
Cashew growing countries↗ Enlarge
Figure 1
Cashew growing countries

Cashew growing countries

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Figure 2. Production quantities of cashew nuts with shell in the World
Production quantities of cashew nuts with shell in the World↗ Enlarge
Figure 2
Production quantities of cashew nuts with shell in the World

Production quantities of cashew nuts with shell in the World

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Table 1. Top 10 cashew-consuming countries
RankCountryConsumption (MT)
1India3,01,719
2United States1,43,256
3Germany35,930
4Netherlands17,236
5United Kingdom16,772
6Australia16,471
7Canada14,267
8France8,649
9Japan8,040
10Saudi Arabia7,854

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Top 10 cashew-consuming countries

Top 10 cashew-consuming countries

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Figure 3. Top 10 cashew nut producing countries (tonnes)
Top 10 cashew nut producing countries (tonnes)↗ Enlarge
Figure 3
Top 10 cashew nut producing countries (tonnes)

Top 10 cashew nut producing countries (tonnes)

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Table 3. State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew
StateArea (‘000 ha)Production (‘000 MT)Productivity (kg/ha)
Andhra Pradesh200.6133.8678.4
Assam1.11.21,104.80
Chhattisgarh32.822.75705
Goa59.9526441
Gujarat13.57.38561
Jharkhand15.66.6423.6
Karnataka139.379.9576
Kerala11076.6726
Maharashtra191.6197.31,003.60
Manipur0.90.3366.7
Meghalaya8.810.41,172.20
Odisha223.5126.1564.5
Puducherry52.3466
Tamil Nadu17580.4459.5
Tripura4.33.6835.3
West Bengal14.613.31169
Nagaland1.50.55360
Total1,195.00782674

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State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew

State-wise area, production, and productivity of cashew

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Table 4. Establishment cost of cashew cultivation (₹/ha)
Sr. No.ParticularsMarginalSmallSemi MediumMediumSample Avg.
1Initial investment (1st Year)5234551815.551742.55171951905.5
22nd Year39949.6739655.333902938620.6739313.67
33rd Year412274022240145.3339782.6740344.25
44th Year4179940849409744027940975.25
Total establishment cost175320.67172541.83171890.83170401.34172538.67

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Table 4
Establishment cost of cashew cultivation (₹/ha)

Establishment cost of cashew cultivation (₹/ha)

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Table 6. Yields obtained and returns realized in cashew cultivation (5th year onwards) (₹/ha)
Sr. No.ParticularsMarginalSmallSemi MediumMediumSample Average
1Main produce (nuts in kg)850871898914883.25
By produce (cashew fruit in kg)1200012400134951410513000
Returns on main produce (₹)119000121940125720127960123655
Returns on by produce (₹)3600037200404854231539000
2Gross returns (₹)155000159140166205170275162655
3Total cost of cultivation (₹)99512.4597091.6395443.6793202.2996312.51
4Farm business income (₹)94384.1398639.88105718.02110040.65102195.67
5Family labour income (₹)71134.1375374.8882438.0286745.6578923.17
6Farm investment income (₹)87784.1394139.88102718.02108840.6598370.67
7Net returns (₹)55487.5562048.3770761.3377072.7266342.49
8Input-output Ratio1:1.561:1.641:1.741:1.831:1.69

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Table 6
Yields obtained and returns realized in cashew cultivation (5th year onwards) (₹/ha)

Yields obtained and returns realized in cashew cultivation (5th year onwards) (₹/ha)

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Figure 4. Flow chart of the processing of cashew nut
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Figure 4
Flow chart of the processing of cashew nut

Flow chart of the processing of cashew nut

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Table 7. Grading parameter
Grading parameterGrading designation
ColourWhite (W), Scorched (S), Dessert (D)
ShapeWhole (W), Butts (B), Splits (S), Pieces
Size (nuts/pound)180, 210, 240, 320, 450

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Grading parameter

Grading parameter

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Table 9. Marketing channels for raw cashew nut
Channel IGrower →Village merchant →Wholesaler →Processor
Channel IIGrower →Itinerant Merchant →Factory agent →Processor
Channel IIIGrower →Village merchant →Processor
Channel IVGrower →Wholesaler →Processor
Channel VGrower →Processor

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Marketing channels for raw cashew nut

Marketing channels for raw cashew nut

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Table 10. Price spread in different marketing channels of cashew (Ratnagiri district)
Sr. No.ParticularsChannel IChannel IIChannel IIIChannel IVChannel V
(₹ / %)(₹ / %)(₹ / %)(₹ / %)(₹ / %)
1Price received by the grower12866.67 / 92.14%11833.33 / 84.74%12866.67 / 92.14%13773.67 / 98.63%13965 / 100.00%
2Marketing cost of the grower38.39 / 0.27%19.28 / 0.14%38.39 / 0.27%42.96 / 0.31%42.99 / 0.31%
3Net price received by the grower12828.28 / 91.86%11814.05 / 84.60%12828.28 / 91.86%13730.71 / 98.32%13922.01 / 99.69%
4Purchase price of the itinerant-11833.33 / 84.74%---
5Cost incurred by the itinerant-42.19 / 0.30%---
6Profit margin of the itinerant-1557.81 / 11.16%---
7Purchase price of the village12866.67 / 92.14%-12866.67 / 92.14%--

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Table 10
Price spread in different marketing channels of cashew (Ratnagiri district)

Price spread in different marketing channels of cashew (Ratnagiri district)

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Figure 5. Different grades of cashew nut
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Figure 5
Different grades of cashew nut

Different grades of cashew nut

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References

15 in the original paper
  1. Akhare AS, Kshirsagar PJ, Torane SR. Marketing of raw cashew nut in Konkan region: An economic analysis. Int J Agric Extension Soc Dev. 2024;7(2):120126.
  2. Anonymous. Guidebook on the Cashew Processing Process. 2019. Available from: www.comcashew.com
  3. Anonymous. Small Scale Cashew Processing Unit. 2021. Available from: https://mkuy.apicol.nic.in
  4. Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI). Information about Cashew Export Promotion Council of India. 2025. Available from: www.cepci.com
  5. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). All India Area, Production and Yield of Cashew nut. 2024. Available from: www.cmie.com
  6. Das SK, Mishra RK. Growth rate of area, production and productivity of cashew nut in Odisha. J Ecofriendly Agric. 2021;16(2):116-120. https://doi.org/10.5958/2582-2683.2021.00021.6
  7. Directorate of Cashewnut & Cocoa Development (DCCD). Information about Directorate of Cashewnut & Cocoa Development. 2025. Available from: www.dccd.in
  8. Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development (DCCD), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 2023. Available from: https://www.dccd.gov.in/Content.aspx?mid=2&tid=1
  9. FAOSTAT. Crops and Livestock Products. 2024. Available from: www.fao.org
  10. Ganeshan P, Prabhakaran G, Nedumaran G. Cashew production benefits and opportunities in India. Mayyan Int J Commerce. 2022;1(1):7-15.
  11. Kaviraj GD, Kumar S, Rai AK. An economic analysis of cost, returns and profitability in production of cashew nut in South Goa district of Goa. Int J Environ Climate Change. 2024;13(9):2041-8.
  12. Kumar N, Ponnuswami V, Jeeva S, Ravindran C, Kalaivanan D. Cashew industry in India: An overview. Chron Hortic. 2012;52(1):27-33.
  13. Pattanayak KP, Mallik B, Tripathy S, Rao SK, Padhy C. Cost-return structure and farmers' opinions on cashew nut cultivation: A comparative study of small and large scale farmers from India. Rev Gestão Soc Ambient. 2023;18(4). doi:10.24857/rgsa.v18n4-067
  14. Yousafzai I, Sonnad JS, Yeledhalli RA, Akbar N, Kakar N. Pattern of foreign trade and export competitiveness of Indian cashew. Int J Foreign Trade Int Bus. 2022;4(2):29-33.
  15. Ganesan P, Prabhakaran G, Nedumaran G. Cashew production benefits and opportunities in India. Mayyan Int J Commerce. 2022;1(1):7-15.

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