Cashew Production and Processing Technology : Recent Advances

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L. f. Anacardiaceae) is a highly valuable and economically significant plantation crop. This book provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to cashew cultivation. It covers topics such as the history, origin, and geographical distribution of cashews, as well as information on the area, production, productivity, export, and import of the crop. Additionally, the book discusses soil and climate requirements, biodiversity, and crop improvement, as well as various techniques for propagation and production of planting material. It also covers morphology and tree characteristics, pollination techniques, establishment of cashew orchards, mineral nutrition, training and pruning, rejuvenation of old orchards, intercropping and cover cropping, intercultural operations, maturity, harvesting, and yield. The post-harvest storage, marketing of raw nuts, nutritive value of cashews, cashew nut processing, and cashew apple processing are also discussed. The book also addresses pests and diseases, economics for cashew cultivation, and future strategies for the crop. It will be a useful resource for students and teachers of horticulture, agriculture, and forestry, as well as scientists, researchers, cashew growers, and processors, including small-scale processing unit holders.