Cashew Crop

About the Cashew Crop:

• It is native to Brazilin Latin America and was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570).
• Climatic condition
  • Soil and climate: Well-drained deep sandy loam soils are the best for growing cashews. In general, all soils, from sandy to laterite, are well suited for this crop.
  • It is very well adapted to Indian coastal areas under hot, humid conditions
  • Temperature: In the range of 20 to 38 °C; relative humidity in the range of 60 to 95%.
  • Rainfall: annual precipitation in the range of 2000 to 3500mm.
  • Extremely low temperatures and frost are not conducive to raising cashew plantations.
  • The cultivation of this crop is being extended to non-traditional areas in the plains of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and some parts of North East hill region.
• India holds the second-largest share in the world's cashew nut production and exports.
• The country's top export destinations include the UAE, the Netherlands, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Key facts about Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

• It was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985.
• It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Objective: To develop and promote the export of scheduled products.
• The products specified under the APEDA ACT are called scheduled products, and exporters of such scheduled products are required to register under APEDA.
• It provides financial assistance, information, and guidelines for the development of scheduled products.