Learn how to start cashew (kaju) farming in India step by step. Complete guide on climate, soil, varieties, planting, yield, cost, profit, and orchard management.
.png "How to Start Cashew Farming in India Step by Step")
How to Start Cashew (Kaju) Farming in India: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Cashew farming in India is a long-term, asset-building agricultural business. Unlike seasonal crops, cashew orchards generate income for 25–40 years once established. With strong domestic consumption, export demand, and value-addition opportunities, cashew (kaju) farming fits perfectly into a patient-capital, high-ROI agri model.
This guide is written for beginners and serious growers who want a clear, execution-ready roadmap—from land selection to harvesting, processing, cost, profit, and common mistakes.
No theory. No fluff. Just how it actually works.
What Is Cashew Farming?
Cashew farming involves cultivating the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), which produces:
Cashew nut (kernel) – high-value dry fruit
Cashew apple – used for juice, liquor (feni), vinegar, and animal feed
India is among the top cashew producers and processors globally, with cultivation spread across coastal and semi-arid regions.
Why Cashew Farming Is a Strong Long-Term Bet
From a business lens, cashew has three unbeatable advantages:
Low recurring input cost after establishment
Stable market demand (domestic + export)
Multiple income streams (raw nut, kernel, by-products)
Once trees start bearing, cashew orchards act like annuity assets—income every year with limited variable cost.
Climate Requirements for Cashew Cultivation
Cashew thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Ideal Conditions
Temperature: 20°C–35°C
Rainfall: 1,000–2,000 mm annually
Long dry spell during flowering is beneficial
Tolerant to drought once established
Cashew is not frost tolerant and performs poorly in waterlogged or cold regions.
Suitable Soil for Cashew Farming
Cashew is hardy and grows where many crops fail.
Best Soil Types
Sandy loam
Red lateritic soils
Coastal soils
Light black soils with good drainage
Soil Characteristics
Well-drained (critical)
pH range: 5.5–7.0
Low fertility soils are acceptable
Important: Cashew hates standing water. Drainage decides success.
Best Regions for Cashew Farming in India
Cashew is grown across many states:
Maharashtra (Konkan)
Goa
Karnataka
Kerala
Andhra Pradesh
Odisha
West Bengal
Tamil Nadu
Chhattisgarh (expanding)
North-East states (emerging)
New high-density plantations are expanding into non-traditional belts.
Choosing the Right Cashew Variety
This decision defines your yield and income for decades.
Recommended Variety Types
High-yielding grafted varieties
Early bearing
Bold nut size
High kernel recovery percentage
Common Traits to Look For
Dwarf or semi-dwarf growth
Regular bearing
Resistance to pests
Uniform nut size
Always purchase certified grafted plants from reputed nurseries or agri universities. Avoid seed-grown plants for commercial farming.
Land Preparation for Cashew Orchard
Step-by-Step Process
Clear bushes and weeds
Deep ploughing (1–2 times)
Layout planting geometry
Dig pits of 60 × 60 × 60 cm
Expose pits to sun for 15–20 days
Pit Filling Mixture
Topsoil
Well-decomposed FYM or compost
Neem cake (optional)
Biofertilizer (optional)
Prepare pits 1–2 months before planting.
Spacing and Plant Density
Spacing determines canopy, sunlight, and yield.
Standard Spacing
7 m × 7 m (traditional)
About 200 plants per hectare
High-Density Plantation (HDP)
4 m × 4 m or 5 m × 5 m
Higher early yield
Requires pruning and management
Beginners should start with standard spacing for safety.
Best Time for Cashew Planting
Monsoon season (June–July) is ideal
Ensures good establishment
Irrigated areas can plant earlier or later
Planting during active rainfall reduces mortality.
Planting Method (Step-by-Step)
Water pits before planting
Remove polybag carefully without root damage
Place graft union above soil level
Fill soil gently and press lightly
Provide staking support
Mulch around base
Immediate watering is essential.
Irrigation Management in Cashew Farming
Cashew is drought tolerant but responds well to irrigation.
Young Plants (0–3 years)
Regular watering during dry months
Crucial for establishment
Bearing Trees
Minimal irrigation required
Water during flowering and nut formation increases yield
Drip irrigation significantly improves growth and early bearing.
Nutrient Management (Fertilizer Schedule)
Cashew responds strongly to balanced nutrition.
General Practice
Organic manure every year
NPK in split doses
Increase quantity with tree age
Key Points
Avoid excess nitrogen
Potassium improves nut filling
Zinc and boron help flowering
Organic + inorganic integration gives best results.
Pruning and Training (Often Ignored, Very Important)
Proper canopy management:
Improves sunlight penetration
Reduces pest incidence
Enhances yield
What to Remove
Low-hanging branches
Dead or diseased wood
Criss-cross branches
Excess vertical shoots
Start pruning from 2nd year onward.
Weed Management
Manual weeding in early years
Mulching around basin
Cover crops in inter-rows (legumes recommended)
Weed control is critical during first 3–4 years.
Major Pests and Diseases in Cashew
Common Pests
Tea mosquito bug
Stem and root borer
Leaf miner
Diseases
Anthracnose
Dieback
Powdery mildew
Management Strategy
Orchard sanitation
Pruning
Timely sprays if required
Avoid water stress
Integrated pest management is the safest approach.
Flowering and Fruiting in Cashew
Flowering starts in 3rd year
Economic yield from 4th–5th year
Peak yield from 8th year onwards
Flowers are borne on panicles and require dry weather.
Harvesting Cashew Nuts
Harvesting Season
February to May (varies by region)
Harvesting Method
Nuts fall naturally when mature
Collect daily from ground
Avoid shaking branches aggressively
Fresh nuts must be dried immediately.
Post-Harvest Handling
Drying
Sun-dry nuts for 2–3 days
Moisture reduction is critical
Storage
Store in dry, ventilated rooms
Avoid moisture and pests
Quality at this stage determines final price.
Cashew Yield Per Tree and Per Acre
Average Yield
5th year: 2–4 kg/tree
8th year: 8–10 kg/tree
Mature tree: 15–20 kg/tree (well managed)
Per Hectare Yield
1.5–3.0 tons raw nuts/year
Yield varies by variety, management, and region.
Cashew Farming Cost and Profit Overview
Initial Investment
Land preparation
Planting material
Irrigation setup
First 3 years maintenance
Maintenance Cost (After Establishment)
Low compared to annual crops
Income Potential
Raw nut sales
Higher income through processing
By-products add extra revenue
Cashew orchards typically break even by 6–7 years and then generate long-term profit.
Value Addition: Where Smart Money Is Made
Raw nut selling is safe—but limited.
Value Addition Options
Cashew kernel processing
Grading and vacuum packing
Direct retail or export
Cashew apple products
Processing multiplies income but requires capital and compliance.
Intercropping in Cashew Orchard
Intercropping improves early-year cash flow.
Suitable Crops
Pineapple
Turmeric
Ginger
Legumes
Vegetables (initial years)
Stop intercropping once canopy closes.
Common Mistakes Beginners Must Avoid
Buying seed-grown plants
Poor drainage
Ignoring pruning
No nutrient planning
Expecting quick returns
Selling without market research
Cashew is a long-term play, not instant profit farming.
Is Cashew Farming Right for You?
Cashew farming suits you if:
You think long term
You can wait 3–5 years for returns
You want a low-maintenance orchard crop
You plan value addition eventually
It is not suitable if you want quick seasonal income.
Final Thoughts
Cashew farming is about patience, planning, and process discipline. Farmers who treat it like an orchard business—not a seasonal crop—build sustainable wealth.
Think of cashew as:
Plant once, earn for decades.
Start with the right variety, manage water and nutrition well, and plan your market early. That’s how successful cashew businesses are built.
