Beyond ‘feni’ and ‘urrak’, brush up on some cashew facts of Goa

HIGH TIME

In Goa, any mention of the word ‘cashew’ conjures up images of the ubiquitous urrak and feni, and little else! Brush up on some local cashew facts here ...

INTRODUCING THE CASHEW

Cashew is an exotic species which was introduced into India through the Portuguese, who brought it to Goa in 1570 AD.

FITTING IN

In the course of time, the species adapted well to the climatic conditions of its new homeland, Goa.

WEALTH FROM WASTE?

Although it was introduced over 400 years ago, it was cultivated as a wasteland crop until recently. At the time of its introduction, it was a crop for afforestation and soil conservation, found on hilly terrain and marginal lands.

CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH

Cashew research in Goa is relatively new, and was initiated only a couple of decades ago, in 1976. Until then, local cashew growers were clueless about the economic potential of this crop.

SHOP TALK

A major plantation crop in Goa, cashew contributes to the state’s economy and provides employment, particularly to people in rural areas. Currently, there are roughly 100 cashew processing units in Goa.

COMMERCIALLY SPEAKING

A native of North East Brazil in South America, cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) is an evergreen tree of the tropics, and is cultivated for its nutritious kernels and apples, besides important by-products such as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL).

FIND THEM HERE

At present, cashew crop is cultivated in more than 28 countries of South America, Asia, Africa and Australia. In India, the major cashew growing states are Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal.

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