Ever thought of cashew farming? Cashews, with their rich, creamy texture and myriad health benefits, enhance the taste of many dishes. However, initiating the cultivation of cashew plants can be challenging for inexperienced individuals.
Don’t worry; we are here with this most accessible cashew plantation guide for beginners like you. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from the perfect soil & climate to land preparation, harvesting, and cashew processing.
With their lush green leaves and unique fruits, cashew plants are quite beautiful. These beautiful kidney-shaped fruits offer more than just visual appeal. You might not know that cashew nut is located inside the cashew apple and is produced across 12 Indian states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Tripura & Nagaland. India produces and exports around 6.74 lakh tonnes of raw cashew nuts, and we are the third largest cashew producer in the world after Vietnam & Nigeria.
Cashew plantation holds significant value. Here’s why it is an essential dry fruit:
The fact is that cashews can grow under almost any condition, and they can carry on for decades. Thus, there is no need for extra attention to be given to them; the farmers will obtain regular earnings.
India exports a significant portion of its cashew harvest, bringing in valuable foreign currency.
The cashew industry generates jobs in processing, packaging, and export, contributing to the rural economy.
Cashew trees can grow well on marginal lands, maximizing land use and preventing soil erosion.
Your cashew trees need the ideal soil to thrive. Cashews are pretty adaptable, but suitable soil sets them up for optimal growth and future nut production. Here’s what you need to consider:
Well-drained soil: Unlike sassafras trees, the cashew tree is poorly suited to wetlands. Hence, you require soil that enables water to pass easily through it, draining the excess. Think of it like a sponge that retains some moisture but nothing to such an extent. So it won’t become soggy.
Sandy Loam: This kind of soil has the right balance between sand, silt, and clay. The result is soil that drains well and supplies sufficient oxygen to the roots of the cashew.
Slightly acidic soil: The pH of cashew soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5 (the latter, which is slightly alkaline). Let us take, for example, lemon juice (acidic) and baking soda (alkaline) – the precise middle of the spectrum is what we want.
Cashew trees thrive on the sun, so do not plant them in chilly regions. Here’s what your climate needs to offer for successful cashew nut cultivation:
Warm and sunny: Aim for temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Cashews won’t tolerate frost and prefer plenty of sunshine for optimal growth.
Rainy season, but not too much: A good amount of rainfall, around 1000 to 2000 mm (40 to 80 inches) annually, is crucial. However, heavy downpours during flowering can be detrimental.
Distinct dry season: This is where sunshine becomes critical. Ideally, you want 4-5 months with minimal rainfall. This dry period allows the cashew nuts to mature correctly and helps prevent diseases.
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Now that you have got the perfect soil and climate for cashew farming in India, you must prepare the land for the best cashews. Here’s what needs to be done:
Clear the way: Grab your tools and say goodbye to unwanted guests like weeds, shrubs, and any debris. Imagine giving your land a clean slate.
Sunbathe the soil: Cashews love sunshine, so ideally, time your land prep for the dry season. This allows the sunlight to kill weed seeds and soil-borne pests naturally.
Dig the ground: Once the ground is prepped, it’s time to create individual homes for your future trees. Digging pits about 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm (2ft x 2ft x 2ft) with a spacing of 7-8 meters (23-26ft) is a good rule of thumb.
Leave the pits open: Don’t plant immediately! Leave the dug pits open for 2-3 weeks. This allows the soil to weather and lets any harmful elements escape.
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You do kaju farming in India in a space of around 5mX8m. Cashew t5 m X 8 m grow aggressively for 3 years; then you must cut the alternate trees when you get the permanent plantation space of around 10 to 12m. Additionally, it would help if you also cut down the branches hanging in the ground for smooth harvesting.
There are various grafting methods used in cashew plantations, each with its quirks and benefits. One popular technique is called side grafting, where the scion is inserted into the rootstock’s side, like a plant version of a high-five! In addition to this, a wedge-grafting technique might be used, which involves creating a v-shaped notch on the rootstock and inserting the scion to an exact fit like pieces snapping into a puzzle.
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Fertilizers are very much like vitamin tablets for your plants. They contain the nutrients needed by plants, that is, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Distribute these fertilizers at tree roots, trying not to get them into contact with the trunk externally.
Manure is like that perfectly cooked meal that brings out the best in your cashew trees or bush. Doing this will not only directly introduce organic matter to the soil, but it will also regenerate the soil since it also reduces the concentration of toxic substances. Similarly, the farmyard manure, compost, or even dried leaves from other trees can be spread around the base of the plant. Organic matter gives off nutrients to the soil over a period, which guarantees a complete ordeal of nourishing your trees.
Remember, moderation is key! Too much fertilizer or manure can be overwhelming for your trees. Follow the recommended dosages and application timings provided by agricultural experts in your area.
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Weeds are one of the most annoying things for cashew trees as they use nutrients and water to grow. Here’s a two-pronged approach to keep them at bay:
Mulching: Spread the ground under your cashew trees with natural materials like straw, leaves, or wood chips. Weeds will be suppressed because they won’t get sunlight and moisture.
Manual removal: Small weeds and young trees can be treated with hand weeding frequently. This ensures the safe removal of the weeds and, at the same time, preserving your very important cashews.
Herbicide application: In very weed-infested areas, selective herbicides can also be an effective tool.
Important Note: Always prioritize using eco-friendly options and strictly follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by a qualified professional.
Tall growing varieties of cashews like sorghum and millet should not be there between young trees because of the extra shading. Uminous crops like beans and groundnuts are ideal for the intercropping leg. You should cultivate horse gram, cowpea, ground nuts, etc., as intercrops with cashews.
Proper pruning and training are essential for your cashew trees. Here’s how to help them develop a strong structure and maximize nut production:
Early Years (1-4 years): Think “single stem first!” Remove any side shoots emerging from the main stem to encourage a robust central trunk up to around 1 meter (3ft) high. This allows for better light penetration and air circulation within the canopy.
Branching Out (4+ years): Once the central trunk is established, you can allow some side branching. Prune any weak, diseased, or inward-growing branches to promote a healthy, open canopy. This ensures sunlight reaches all parts of the tree, leading to better nut production.
Maintain Height: Cashew trees tend to grow tall. To make harvesting easier and maintain a manageable size, consider occasional de-topping (trimming the topmost growth). Aim for a height suitable for your needs and consult a local agricultural expert for specific recommendations.
Remember that the timing is crucial, so you need to prune during the dry season, typically between November and February, when the trees are less susceptible to diseases. Always use sharp tools like sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts and minimize damage to your trees.
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Here’s the list of pests & diseases in cashew plants. You should use neem oil for plants as an organic fertilizer for your cashew plantation in India.
Tea mosquito bugs: They are sap feeders that damage the leaves, flowers, and maturing nuts.
Shoot borers: These pests bore into stems, which prevent tree growth and lead to dieback.
Leaf miners: These tiny creatures called insects burrow within the leaves, which eventually affects their health and photosynthesis.
Dieback: This fungal pathogen kills off branches, causing overall tree sickness and death.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease is associated with the presence of dark spots and lesions on leaves, fruits, and stems, respectively.
Inflorescence blight: This fungal disease has an impact on the flower clusters, which in turn results in diminished nut production.
Efficient cashew cultivation in India requires proper machinery for the care and protection of the trees. That is where Krishispray comes into action as your faithful companion. Krishispray offers a range of agricultural equipment that comprises high-quality sprayers, nozzles, and guns, hence enabling you to control the application of fertilizers and micronutrients effectively.
The dependable equipment of Krishispray will enable you to accomplish the essential tasks of your cashew farm, thus ensuring a prosperous harvest and contributing to the growth of cashew plants.
After learning every aspect of cashew farming in India, you can begin farming without difficulty. Not forgetting about pests, diseases, and fertilizers will make farming more efficient and productive.
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