PROSPECTS OF CASHEW IN NEXT DECADE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NORTH EASTERN STATES

摘要

Cashew is a very important plantation crop of India having very significant role to play in India's economy. Cashew fetches substantial foreign exchange. Brazil is the original home of cashew. Cashew was introduced into India by Portuguese travellersduring 16th Century for afforestation and soil conservation purpose. Since its introduction at certain point in West Coast cashew has spread all along the West Coast (Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka) and also to East Coast (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal) region of India. These regions are now considered as traditional areas of cashew cultivation. Further, the cashew was also introduced to the plains of Kolar, Belgaum, Bidar districts in Karnataka. The cashew was also introducedto Chattisgarh State both in hilly and plain areas in later years. The cashew also found place in almost all the North Eastern Hilly States, may be in the later part of 20th century. Cashew is seen both in wild state as well as in cultivated plantation conditions in Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh States.