Cashew Processing

Complete Guide for Starting & Operating a Business

This easily digestible fruit is a favorite among old, young, and children as well. The production is less than the demand and due to its high prices, cashew farming is financially beneficial. India exports cashews worth about 120 crores to about 20 countries and there is a possibility of an increase in demand.

General Description

Generally this tree is of medium size with spread-out branches and big leaves. But the height of 25 to 30 feet is possible. The scientific name is Anacardium occidentale. The cashew tree is a low spreading, evergreen tree with several primary and secondary branches and with a very prominent taproot, and a well developed extensive network of lateral and sinker roots. The fleshy peduncle the 'cashew apple' is juicy and sweet when ripe. The apple varies in size, color, juice content, and taste. It is a rich source of vitamin C and sugar. The cashew fruit is a kidney-shaped drupaceous nut, greenish-grey in color. The nuts vary in size, shape, weight (3 to 20g), and shelling percentage (15-30 percent)

Planting

Planting is possible by sowing seeds and using the grafted plant. Fusion grafted plants give more production and so it is beneficial to use grafts for planting. An easy method like knitted grafting is used for cashew grafts.

Land

For Cashew plants good filtered land, sedimentary medium black soil, riverbank or soil of the river bed with red hilly soil is suitable.

Climate

Hot but balanced humid conditions near the seashore are more suitable. Water requirement is less and so survives in water scarcity. It can grow in 600 mm of rainfall. But at the time of blooming, high temperature, cloudy atmosphere, or heavy rainfall can cause damage. On an experimental basis, different breeds of cashew plants were brought from Ventura in Maharashtra and planted in Dharia in Gujarat by the agriculture university. The successful growth and development of the plants have confirmed a good possibility of cashew farming in the state.

Preparing the land

In summer, at a distance of 7 X 7, 8 X 8, 9 X 9 pits of 60 cm should be dug. At the base of the pits, 5 kgs of animal dung fertilizer, 250 gms phosphate, and 250 gms of potash mixed with soil should be layered. The rest of the pit should be filled with fertile soil.

Plantation

Any time with irrigation or after the first good rainfall that is June or July.

Care

For cashew grafted plants irrigation is necessary for good growth. When the monsoon is delayed or in the months other than the monsoon, water should be irrigated for 4 to 6 days to keep the land moist. For 3 to 4 years, fertilizer in lots should be given as suggested, every time. But in 2 to 4 installments in May – June, and September – October fertilizer should be given. fertilizer should be added at a distance of 3 to 4.5 feet at a little high level.

Terms For Cashew Processing

The price of 1 plant will be Rs. 70.
50% Payment should be done by check or draft in the name of the company at the time of booking.
Identity proof, residence proof and a photo must be provided with the order application form.
Delivery will be done after 30 days of order booking. Remaining payment must be done 7 days prior to the date of delivery.
The company will pay Rs. 120 /kg for raw cashews. The rate will be Rs. 120 for 5 years. After that 10 % increase will be availed.