Where Does India Stand On Cashew Nut Production In The World?

India is the second-largest producer of cashew nut products, with an estimated production of over 700,000 metric tons in 2021. The country has a well-developed cashew industry, with a large number of processors and exporters.

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of cashew in the world and it shows how important cultivating cashew is in the country. Cultivation of this nut is centered particularly in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Key Features Of Cashew Cultivation

• Climate and Soil Requirements

Cashew grows well in areas with high temperatures, low rainfall, and well-drained soils. The coastal regions of India have a tropical climate, which is conducive to cultivating this nut. The soil in these areas is generally sandy and well-drained, which is ideal for cashew cultivation in India

• Cultivation Practices

Cashew cultivation in India is usually done on small farms or as a part of mixed farming. The trees are grown from seeds or cuttings and require about three to four years to start bearing fruit. The trees are pruned and trained to grow in a specific shape to make harvesting easier. Harvesting of the nut is usually done from February to May.

• Processing

The nuts are processed to remove the outer shell, which contains a kind of toxic oil that can cause skin irritation. The processing involves roasting the nuts, shelling them, and then grading them based on size and quality. The kernels are then roasted again and packaged by cashew manufacturers in India for export.

• Export

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of cashew in the world. The country exports the nuts to most countries around the globe, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Today the cashew export industry is an important source of foreign exchange for the country.

• Challenges

Cashew cultivation in India faces several challenges, including the high cost of labor, poor infrastructure, and climate change. Additionally, the industry has faced increasing competition from countries like Vietnam and Brazil, which have lower labor costs. But cashew cultivators are doing a good job with the help of the Indian government.

Government Initiative For Cashew Production

The Indian government established the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) in 1955. It is made an autonomous body to promote the export of cashew kernels and other cashew products from India. The CEPCI represents the interests of Indian cashew processors and exporters and works to develop and promote the cashew industry in India.

The CEPCI plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting the export of cashew kernels and other cashew products from India. Its various activities and initiatives help to increase the demand for Indian cashew products and enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in the international market.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India is made responsible for creating awareness about Indian cashew products in the international market by organizing trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and exhibitions. It is responsible for maintaining the quality of Indian cashew products. It provides technical assistance and support to manufacturers and exporters to ensure that their products meet international quality standards.

Leading Cashew Cultivators

India is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of cashew nuts, with a significant number of cashew manufacturers and exporters operating in the country.

• Olam Agro India Limited

Olam Agro India Limited, one of the leading cashew manufacturers in India, enjoys a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. The company has over 20 years of experience in cashew processing and exports a wide range of cashew products.

• Kollam Supreme Foods

Kollam Supreme Foods is another leading cultivator and exporter of cashew based in the city of Kollam in Kerala. The company has a state-of-the-art processing facility and exports high-quality cashew products to various countries around the world.

• L.G. Exports

L.G. Exports is a well-known name among cashew manufacturers in India. It is an exporter based in the city of Kollam in Kerala. The company has a strong presence in the international market and exports a wide range of cashew products, including roasted and salted cashews.

• KLT Fruits

KLT Fruits is a leading manufacturer and exporter based in Mangalore, Karnataka. The company has a modern processing facility and exports high-quality cashew products to various countries around the world.

• Indian Cashew Industries

Indian Cashew Industries is a well-established cashew manufacturer and exporter based in Kollam, Kerala. The company has a modern processing facility and exports a wide range of cashew nut products to various countries around the world.

The above-mentioned manufacturers are just a few examples of the many cashew manufacturers and exporters cultivating nuts in India. The industry is known for its high-quality products and competitive prices, which have made it a major player in the global cashew market.

Cashew is grown in many countries across the world and if you want to know cashew production by country, you will find India in the top five manufacturers and exporters. Here’s the country-wise production of cashew.

1. Vietnam: Vietnam is the world's largest producer of cashew, with an estimated production of over 1.3 million metric tons in 2021.

2. India: India is the second-largest producer of cashew, with an estimated production of over 700,000 metric tons in 2021.

3. Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast is the largest producer of cashew in Africa, with an estimated production of over 750,000 metric tons in 2021.

4. Brazil: Brazil is a significant producer of cashew, with an estimated production of over 300,000 metric tons in 2021.

5. Nigeria: Nigeria is the largest producer of cashew in West Africa, with an estimated production of over 280,000 metric tons in 2021.

Other notable cashew-producing countries include Tanzania, Indonesia, Guinea-Bissau, and Benin. It is worth noting that cashew production by country levels of cashew can vary from year to year depending on various factors.