Cashew Synopsys / Industry

In India, cashew was first introduced in Goa from where it spread to other parts of the
country. In the beginning it was mainly used for soil binding to check erosion.
Commercial cultivation began in the early 1960s and, over the years, cashew has
become a crop of high economy and attained the status of an export-oriented
commodity, earning considerable foreign exchange for the country.

Cashew Cultivation in India

 India is one of the leading producers, processors and exporters of cashews in the
world
 Currently, India has approximately 0.97 million hectares under cashew cultivation
with productivity of 770 kilograms per hectare.
 Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka are the primary producers of cashew along
the western coast of the country, while Andhra Pradesh (AP), Odisha, Tamil
Nadu (TN) and West Bengal (WB) are primary producers along the eastern coast
 In addition, cashew is also grown in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat and the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Key Markets and Export Destinations

 India accounts for about 65 per cent of the world's total exports
 India exports kernels to more than 60 countries across the world
 In 2013-14, India's exports of cashew including cashew nut shell liquid were
worth US$ 848.71 million.

Cashew Export Promotion Council of India

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) works towards the promotion of
the export of cashew kernels and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The Council serves as
an intermediary between importers of cashew kernels and exporters who are members
of the council. It also deals with any disputes on exports/imports arising on account of
quality standards, breach of contractual obligations, etc. It undertakes numerous
activities, such as organising global buyer-seller meets, organising studies on the
nutritional aspects of cashew and providing support to cashew processors and exporters
for improving infrastructure.