Cashew Farmers Unite to Tackle Price Instability in India
Despite a steady increase in both domestic consumption and export figures, cashew farmers across India are grappling with significant income instability, primarily driven by sharp and unpredictable fluctuations in the prices of raw cashew nuts. In response to this ongoing challenge, a concerted effort is underway to consolidate growers under a unified national platform, enhancing their collective bargaining strength in the market.
National Association Revitalizes Efforts Post-Pandemic
The All India Cashew Growers' Association, based in Puttur, is intensifying its initiatives to organize farmers on a nationwide scale. Led by Dr. M Gangadhar Nayak, former director of the ICAR Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR), who serves as the association's president, the group plans to launch an extensive membership drive. This campaign aims to build a robust and cohesive voice for the cashew sector, addressing long-standing issues that have hindered farmer prosperity.
Although the association was established in 2020, its activities were significantly hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Nayak explained, "Having worked closely with farmers across the country through the DCR, we recognized the urgent need to fortify a national-level farmers' organization. There is considerable government support available, but much of it fails to reach the growers directly. Despite rising domestic and export demand, farmers continue to receive low and inconsistent prices. A substantial portion of profits is absorbed by intermediaries and processing sectors, leaving growers with limited returns. This situation has discouraged expansion and reduced farmer interest in cashew cultivation."
Leveraging Government Support and Promoting Value Addition
Dr. Nayak highlighted that recent budgetary allocations indicate a renewed governmental focus on cashew development, and the association intends to capitalize on this momentum. A key priority will be promoting value addition within the industry, particularly through the development of cashew apple-based products. These products remain largely underutilized despite their significant commercial potential, offering a promising avenue for increasing farmer incomes and diversifying revenue streams.
India's Cashew Sector: Production and Export Overview
According to estimates, cashew cultivation in India spans nearly 12.1 lakh hectares, with annual production exceeding 8 lakh tonnes. The crop is widely grown across multiple states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and parts of the Northeast. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, India's cashew exports totaled $369.2 million, with major destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Japan, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Outreach and Digital Initiatives
As part of its outreach efforts, the association recently launched a dedicated website to connect with farmers and disseminate crucial information. Dr. Nayak added, "We initiated this effort for the betterment of farmers. A united platform can ensure their voices are heard and their livelihoods protected, fostering a more sustainable and profitable cashew industry in India."
