Cashews nuts

Cashew is scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale L. in the family of Sapindales : Anacardiaceae and locally known as Mkorosho mkanju (Swahili Cashew trees are grown along the coastal plains of Kenya and Tanzania. Cashews are evergreen trees with deep taproots. The crop originated from the northern part of South America. The Portuguese introduced cashew to Mozambique in the 16th century where it flourished forming extensive forests; eventually it also spread in the East Africa region.

1)The cashew nut apple is rich in Vitamin C (about 5 times higher than the orange) and is used for the production of juice, spirits, jam, pickles and chutneys.

The liquid of the shell is used for brake linings, heat proof and waterproof paints and protective varnishes. Cashew nut wood is of poor quality but can be used as firewood if mixed with other types of wood.

2) Climatic conditions, soil and water management Altitude: 0-1000m a.s.l Rainfall: Drought tolerate; Minimum 500-1000 mm pa Soils: Well drained, deep (2-3m) The crop can grow quite well on infertile soils but do not do well on coral outcrops.

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3) INPUTS The main inputs in cashew production includes; Seeds/seedlings, fertilizer, organic manure,Pestcides & fungicide and machinery and equipments.

i)Seedlings Source of planting material: -Slectect from healthy, high yielding trees, -Place seeds in a bucket of sea water (100g salt per 5litres of water) and select the seeds that sink for good germination and growth potential, -Sun dry seeds for several weeks to prevent mould and rotting.