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Area, Production and Productivity of Cashew in Kerala (2011-2018)


The area under Cashew Cultivation 
•    From 2011-12 to 2016-17, there was a gradual decline in the area under cashew cultivation, decreasing from 54.05 thousand ha to 41.66 thousand ha. 

•    There is a significant jump in the area under cultivation in 2017-18, where it almost doubles to 92.81 thousand ha and continues to grow steadily, reaching 108.6 thousand ha by 2022-23.
Cashew Production 
•    Production fluctuates, peaking at 37.92 thousand MT in 2012-13, then declining significantly to 24.73 thousand MT in 2015-16.

•    From 2016-17 onward, production increased, reaching its highest at 88.18 thousand MT in 2017-18, before settling at 74.63 thousand MT in 2022-23.


Productivity (kg/ha)


•    Productivity also fluctuates, starting at 680 kg/ha in 2011-12, peaking at 728 kg/ha in 2012-13, and dropping to 574 kg/ha in 2015-16.

•    After the lowest point in 2015-16, productivity gradually increased again, peaking at 950 kg/ha in 2017-18 before declining and stabilizing at 839 kg/ha in 2022-23.
Conclusion
•    Overall Growth: While there was an initial decline in area and productivity between 2011-12 and 2016-17, the cashew industry rebounded strongly from 2017-18 onwards. This revival could be linked to policy measures, improved farming techniques, and possibly the entry of more commercial plantations.

•    Fluctuations: Despite overall growth, the fluctuations in productivity and production suggest that the sector still faces challenges, likely related to climate variability, disease management, and technological adoption.

•    Future Outlook: The steady increase in the area under cultivation and the recovery of productivity to higher levels indicate a positive outlook for the cashew sector in the coming years, provided challenges like sustainability, crop management, and farmer support are addressed. Further investments in research and development (R&D) could lead to more consistent productivity gains and enhance the resilience of cashew farming.