Introduction

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), a tree native of Eastern Brazil, was introduced  in India by the Portuguese nearly five centuries ago. In India, cashew was first introduced in Goa, from where it spread to other parts of the country. Initially, it found use in soil binding to check erosion. Commercial cultivation began in the early 1960s and, over the years, cashew became a crop with high economic value and attained the status of an export-oriented commodity, earning considerable foreign exchange for the country.

KEY MARKETS AND EXPORT DESTINATIONS

• India accounts for about 65 per cent of global cashew exports.
• India exports cashew kernels to over 60 countries. Its major markets are the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, the UK as well as Middle East countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• The US is the largest market for Indian cashew kernels, followed by the UAE and the Netherlands, while Indian CNSL is largely exported to South Korea, followed by China and the US.

CASHEW EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL OF INDIA

• The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) works to promote the export  of cashew kernels and CNSL. The council serves as an intermediary between importers of cashew kernels and exporters who are members of the council. It also deals with disputes on exports/imports arising due to quality standards and breach of contractual obligations, among others. It undertakes numerous activities, such as organising global buyer-seller meets as well as studies on nutritional aspects of cashew, and providing support to cashew processors and exporters for improving infrastructure.