Top 5 Highest Cashew Producing States in India

Cashew is one of India’s most significant cash crops and a major export commodity. The crop is famous for its nutritious and tasty nuts and the oil derived from the shells. Cashew is also one of the common ingredients that are widely used in Indian cooking. It adds taste, texture and flavor to the rich curries of India. India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cashews, with its warm, coastal climates providing the ideal conditions for cashew cultivation. Here is the list of leading cashew producing states of India:

1. Maharashtra

The first state on our list of highest cashew producers in India is Maharashtra. It is considered as crowned leader of cashew production in India. The coastal districts of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Raigad provide the perfect climate for cashew trees to thrive. The state’s dominance in production is due to large-scale cashew plantations and the promotion of high-yielding varieties. Maharashtra’s cashew nuts are known for their quality, contributing significantly to India’s exports. The state contributes to 30 per cent of total cashew production in the country. The existing infrastructure for processing and exporting cashew nuts also contributes to the glory of Maharashtra in cashew production in the country.

2. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is a key player in cashew production, with the northern coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam leading the charge.  The contribution of the state towards total cashew output in the country is around 16.44 per cent. Further, the state’s climate is ideal for cashew trees, which require warm temperatures and well-drained soil. Andhra Pradesh has also benefited from cashew development programs aimed at improving crop yields and expanding the area under cultivation.

3. Odisha

The next state on our list of cashew-producing states in India is Odisha. The estimation of cashew production by the state is around 121300 tons, amounting to 15.68 per cent of total output by the nation.  Odisha has been steadily increasing its cashew production over the years. The main reason for increased production is because of government initiatives aimed at improving productivity and promoting cashew as a commercial crop. The state’s coastal and interior districts, like Ganjam and Koraput, offer suitable growing conditions for cashew trees. Odisha’s cashew industry also provides significant employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, contributing to the state’s agricultural economy.

4. Karnataka

Karnataka is also one of the major cashew-producing states in India. It is a major player in cashew nut farming and has a production capacity of 77.9 thousand tons annually. The dedicated cultivation efforts of the farmers and favourable agro-climate conditions have contributed to increased cashew production by the state. Karnataka contributes to 15 per cent of total cashew production in the country. Coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are high producers of cashews in the state. The state’s efforts to promote cashew cultivation through government initiatives and research on improving cashew yield have paid off, positioning Karnataka among the top producers. Karnataka produces high-quality cashew nuts which are sought after in both domestic and international markets.

5. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is yet another state on our list of the highest cashew-producing states in India. The state’s diligent efforts in cashew cultivation have yielded 77.3 thousand tons of cashews annually. Coastal areas of the state especially the southern districts, have a suitable environment for cashew cultivation. The main cashew-growing districts in Tamil Nadu are Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Pudukottai, Sivagangai, and Theni. Ariyalur has the largest area under cashew cultivation, followed by Cuddalore and Villupuram. The production capacity of the state with improved farming techniques has helped it achieve a position among the top cashew producers in the country.

Conclusion

India continues to dominate the global cashew industry, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu leading the way. These states benefit from ideal climatic conditions, government support, and a focus on improving yields through better agricultural practices. As global demand for cashew nuts rises, India’s top-producing states are well-positioned to increase both production and export, ensuring the country remains a key player in the international market. With ongoing advancements in cultivation and processing techniques, the future of cashew production in India looks promising.