Sure, here is an article on plantation of cashew nut:
Plantation of Cashew Nut: Key Factors to Consider
Cashew nut is an important cash crop grown in several tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The nut is not only used as a traditional snack but also serves as an important ingredient in Indian and African cuisines. Cashew industry provides employment and livelihood prospects to thousands of farmers and workers. If you are planning to start your own cashew plantation, here are some key factors to consider:
1. Soil and Climate: Cashew nut grows well in well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils. The ideal soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5. Cashew prefers a warm temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost and extreme cold weather conditions. In general, cashew can be grown in areas that receive an annual rainfall of 900-1200 mm.
2. Propagation: Cashew nut can be propagated by seed or vegetative propagation. In seed propagation, seeds are collected from a mature and healthy tree. Seedlings should be grown in a nursery for about 6-8 months before transplanting them into the main field. Vegetative propagation, on the other hand, involves the use of grafting, budding, or air-layering techniques.
3. Crop Management: Cashew plantation requires careful attention to crop management. Proper planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control measures should be taken to ensure a healthy and productive crop. Pruning the trees to maintain an optimal canopy size is also important. Cashew trees are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. To ensure maximum yield, adequate pollination must take place in the plantation.
4. Harvesting: Cashew nut matures in about 3-4 months after the fruit sets. Harvesting is usually done manually when the fruit turns yellow and starts to fall off the tree. The nuts are then separated from the fruit using hand tools or mechanical means. After harvesting, the nuts are dried in the sun and then stored in a dry and cool place.
5. Marketing: Cashew nuts are marketed either in the raw or processed form. In the raw form, they are sold to processors who de-shell, grade, and pack them for export or retail. In the processed form, the nuts are roasted, salted, or flavored and then packaged for retail sale.
Starting a cashew plantation requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money. However, with proper planning and management, a cashew plantation can be a profitable and rewarding venture.