Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.),one of the most important cash crops introduced to India in 16th century by Portuguese. In India, Cashew was initially introduced in Goa and further expanded to other states. As a resilient and drought resistant tree that is adaptable to poor soil conditions, it offers environmental benefits in the fight to combat deforestation and soil erosion hence it is known as Gold Mine of Waste Land.
In 2022, India ranks second globally in the export of Cashew Nuts Fresh/Dried Shelled (HS Code: 080132), holding an 8.72% market share, also India is the world's second-largest importer of Cashew Nuts Fresh/Dried In Shell (HS Code: 080131).
India's Cashew Nuts production has increased from 779 thousand tonnes in 2021-22 to 810 thousand tonnes in 2022-23 registering a growth rate of 4 per cent. Cultivation of cashew in India is confined mainly to the peninsular areas. It is grown in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, along the west coast of the country and in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal along the east coast of the country. To a limited extent it is being cultivated in Chhattisgarh, Northeastern States (Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland) and on Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
There is an ever-increasing demand for cashew kernel both in international market and in the domestic market. The industry faces challenges such as reliance on imported raw cashew nuts to meet demand. Government initiatives under MIDH and RKVY aim to boost production through expanded cultivation and high-yield variety adoption across traditional and non-traditional states.
Cashew Kernels: Cashew kernels are obtained through processing (roasting / steaming, shelling, and peeling) of raw Cashewnut. Cashew kernels are also available as roasted, salted, flavoured, and coated with spices, honey, etc. Value added products like cashew powder, cashew butter, cashew drink, etc. are also available in the market.
Exports:
The country has exported of Cashew Kernels to the world during the year 2023-24 as follows:
| Export Volume FY24 (MT) | Exported in FY24 (USD Mil) | |
| Cashew Kernels | 65808.42 | 338.88 |
| Cashewnut Shell Liquid | 3508.18 | 1.93 |
| Cardanol | 9714.12 | 7.36 |
Major Export Destinations (2023-24): UAE, Japan, Netherland, Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Cashewnut Shell Liquid (CNSL): The Cashewnut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a by-product obtained while processing raw Cashewnut to produce cashew kernels. It is the oil obtained by crushing the cashew shell.
Major Export Destinations (2023-24): China, Vietnam, Mexico, Korea Rp and Japan
Cardanol: Purified and distilled CNSL is called Cardanol.
Major Export Destinations (2023-24): Vietnam, Korea Rp, UK, Belgium and Netherland.
Other cashew products: Other cashew products include Shell Cake, Cashew Apple and Gum. The de-oiled cashew shell or cashew shell cake is the by- product of extracting CNSL. Cashew apple, a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, is made into pectin and juices, as well as alcoholic drinks, vinegars, syrups and jams. Cashew gum that comes out of the cashew tree's bark, has many uses in the food industry and pharmaceuticals.