- Common name:
- Cashew Nut, Kaju, Cashew Apple
- Regional name:
- Marathi - Kaju, Hindi - Kaju, Bengali - Hijibadam, Gujarati - Kaju, Kannada - Geru Bija, Malayalam - Andi Paruppu, Punjabi - Kaju, Sanskrit - Kajutaka, Tamil - Mundimi, Telugu - Jidi-mamidi.
- Category:
-
Fruit Plants, Trees, Medicinal Plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae or Mango or Cashew family
-
1. Introduction to Cashew Nut Tree
- Cashew Nut tree (Anacardium occidentale)
- Varieties: 'Vri3' and 'Vri4'
- Origin: Brazil
2. Cashew Nut Tree Info
- Evergreen tree
- Height: 20-40 feet
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Yield: 100-150 kg per tree
3. Plantation and Growing Conditions
- Climate: Tropical/subtropical
- Temperature: 20-30°C
- Rainfall: 1000-2000 mm per year
- Soil type: Well-drained, sandy loam
4. Cashew Nut Tree Planting
- Spacing: 25-30 feet
- Planting season: June-August
- Seedlings or grafts
- Watering: Regular, but not excessive
5. Cashew Nut Tree Care
- Fertilization: Organic and chemical fertilizers
- Pruning: Remove dead or diseased branches
- Pest control: Regular monitoring and treatment
- Disease management: Maintain healthy growing conditions
6. Harvesting Cashew Nuts
- Maturity: 2-3 years after planting
- Harvest season: February-May
- Indicators: Ripe cashew apples and nuts
7. Processing Cashew Nuts
- Roasting: Remove the shell and caustic liquid
- Drying: Proper drying for storage and packaging
- Grading: Sorting based on size, color, and quality
8. Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts
- Rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Heart-healthy fats
- Supports brain health
- Aids in weight management
- Boosts immune system
9. Environmental Benefits of Cashew Nut Trees
- Carbon sequestration
- Soil conservation and fertility
- Biodiversity and wildlife habitat
- Shade and windbreaks
10. Economic Benefits of Cashew Nut Production
- Cash crop for farmers
- Employment opportunities in processing and marketing
- Export potential
- By-products for additional income (cashew apple juice, oil, and animal feed)