Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply either by online registration or through hard copy submission. The application form can be collected from Field Officials in charge of district or download the application from the website. Fill and submit to the Field Officials or send directly to the Head Quarters. The documents such as ID Proof, Ration Card, Bank Passbook copy have to be submitted along with the applications. After approval of the application, you will be informed the date of supply of grafts by the Field Officials over phone. You may come and collect the grafts from the distributing centre (Krishibhavan/ LSGD or other convenient place). The grafts are supplied free of cost.

You can apply either by online registration or through hard copy submission. The application form can be collected from Field Officials in charge of district or download the application from the website. Fill and submit to the Field Officials or send directly to the Head Quarters. The documents such as ID Proof, Ration Card, Bank Passbook copy have to be submitted along with the applications. After approval of the application, you will be informed the date of supply of grafts by the Field Officials over phone. You may come and collect the grafts from the distributing centre (Krishibhavan/ LSGD or other convenient place). The grafts are supplied free of cost.

Cashew grafts will be supplied by KSACC free of cost to farmers who request through online in the KSACC Website. Also available in the nurseries of KAU, Agricultural Departments, PCK on payment.

Copy of ID Proof, Ration Card, Bank Pass Book Copy.

• Minimum Area-10cents
• Maximum Area -10Acre

• Normal Density Planting - 7m x 7m (200 plants per Ha)
• High Density Planting - 5m x 5 m (400 plants per Ha)
• Ultra High Density Planting - 3m x 3m (1100 plants per Ha)

Cashew can be grown in all soils except clayey and water stagnant area. Yield varies from soil to soil .Laterite soils are good for cashew cultivation when compared to sandy soils. Moisture retention, land operation etc should be ensured in all soils to get better result. Leafy,soil coir pith mulching have to be done to protect the crop from moisture stress.

Cashew can be grown in all soils except clayey and water stagnant area. Yield varies from soil to soil .Laterite soils are good for cashew cultivation when compared to sandy soils. Moisture retention, land operation etc should be ensured in all soils to get better result. Leafy,soil coir pith mulching have to be done to protect the crop from moisture stress.

Cashew can be grown in all soils except clayey and water stagnant area. Yield varies from soil to soil .Laterite soils are good for cashew cultivation when compared to sandy soils. Moisture retention, land operation etc should be ensured in all soils to get better result. Leafy,soil coir pith mulching have to be done to protect the crop from moisture stress.

The major pest of cashew are Tea Mosquito Bug (TMB) and Cashew Stem and Root Borer (CSRB)

The major pest of cashew are Tea Mosquito Bug (TMB) and Cashew Stem and Root Borer (CSRB)

• TMB -Spray Karatte /Reeva /Lambdacyhalothrin 0.6ml per litre and Blitox or any other copper fungicide 2gm per litre.
• CSRB- Swab the affected trees of the stem with Chlorpyriphos 10ml per litre after chiseling out the grubs from the affected plants .Pour the solution around the base of the tree.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The blighted appearance and burnt symptoms with drying of cashew leaves is due to feeding damage by the tea mosquito bug (TMB) Helopeltis antonii, and is not a disease symptom. The adult and young insects (nymphs) suck the plant sap, and the toxic saliva injected by the insect leads to drying of the damaged portion. As the insect feeds on tender shoots, flower panicle as well as immature nuts, these parts get dried up. The repeated flushes are re-attacked and these also get dried up. Any spraying taken up after severe feeding damage will not be of any help and hence drying of flower panicles/twigs occur in spite of spraying.

The inflorescence drying during cloudy weather has been constantly noticed, however, the sudden rise in temperature following cloudiness is suspected to lead to flower drying. The TMB population build up is also more under these conditions.

The inflorescence drying during cloudy weather has been constantly noticed, however, the sudden rise in temperature following cloudiness is suspected to lead to flower drying. The TMB population build up is also more under these conditions.

The inflorescence drying during cloudy weather has been constantly noticed, however, the sudden rise in temperature following cloudiness is suspected to lead to flower drying. The TMB population build up is also more under these conditions.

It is presently debated whether pesticidal usage can be reduced in TMB management. However, in trials involving different bio-pesticides (derived from neem, pongamia, dill, custard apple and others plant species), the presently recommended pesticides performed better. Use of neem oil in place of a pesticide may not provide immediate pest reduction and repellency is not long lasting.

It is presently debated whether pesticidal usage can be reduced in TMB management. However, in trials involving different bio-pesticides (derived from neem, pongamia, dill, custard apple and others plant species), the presently recommended pesticides performed better. Use of neem oil in place of a pesticide may not provide immediate pest reduction and repellency is not long lasting.

It is presently debated whether pesticidal usage can be reduced in TMB management. However, in trials involving different bio-pesticides (derived from neem, pongamia, dill, custard apple and others plant species), the presently recommended pesticides performed better. Use of neem oil in place of a pesticide may not provide immediate pest reduction and repellency is not long lasting.

After drying of twigs, secondary infection by fungus, Botrydiplodia theobromae occurs and progresses backwards, to induce die-back disease. In order to confirm the presence of pathogen, the twig should be split and if there is a discoloration it indicates the disease. In order to check the disease outbreak, such twigs should be cut and swabbed with Bordeaux paste (10%) and sprayed with 1% Bordeaux mixture.

Certain caterpillars do feed on cashew foliage. In case of severe attack, spraying of carbaryl (0.1%) can be taken up. Karatteor Reeva or Tatameda sprayed to control TMB will also control such pest infestation.

Three species of egg parasitoids are recorded on TMB, and Telenomus sp.(wasp) is the commonly found parasitoid. As these parasitoids are specialized on their host TMB & the efforts to multiply them in large numbers was not successful. The judicious usage of pesticides at appropriate time will enable and ensure indigenously existing parasitoids and predators to exercise natural control of TMB in cashew ecosystem.

Use of insecticides against TMB needs to be done before majority of shoots get damaged and on onset of initial symptoms. If spraying is taken up after pest damage is inflicted, recovery of damaged plant portion is not achieved. Hence spraying after the drying is pronounced will not be of any help.

It was recorded during last few flowering seasons that cloudy mornings and sudden decrease in afternoon humidity resulted in drying of the flowers. In the event of recurrence of such phenomenon, it is worthwhile trying spraying of water to enhance moisture content of the air for preventing flower drying.

It is the experience of some farmers that smoking the cashew trees during early morning hours helps in reducing the damage due to TMB. Addition of leaves of Vitex negundo (nekki/ notchi) reported to have repellent action is also helpful. Smoking is not very beneficial as per the studies conducted at the Directorate.

Fish oil resin soap which is mainly effective in the management of sedentary insects like scale insects and mealy bugs by dissolving the waxy coating present over the body It is not so effective against TMB.

The cashew tree is attacked by 2 species of cashew stem and root borers (CSRB). The grubs (young ones) of this pest is like stout caterpillars and feed beneath the bark, thereby hampering nutrient translocation. The partially chewed fibres and excreta are exuded from the attacked portion, which is mixed with gum from the plant. The tree looses its leaves, twigs dryup and the tree gradually dies within a year or two. In order to control the pest and save the tree, the grubs inside an attacked tree have to be extracted carefully, causing minimum damage to the tree and avoiding girdling. The frass and gum should be scraped and removed and affected portion should be swabbed with carbaryl (0.2%) suspension/Chlorpyriphose 10 ml per litre.

The cashew tree is attacked by 2 species of cashew stem and root borers (CSRB). The grubs (young ones) of this pest is like stout caterpillars and feed beneath the bark, thereby hampering nutrient translocation. The partially chewed fibres and excreta are exuded from the attacked portion, which is mixed with gum from the plant. The tree looses its leaves, twigs dryup and the tree gradually dies within a year or two. In order to control the pest and save the tree, the grubs inside an attacked tree have to be extracted carefully, causing minimum damage to the tree and avoiding girdling. The frass and gum should be scraped and removed and affected portion should be swabbed with carbaryl (0.2%) suspension/Chlorpyriphose 10 ml per litre.

The cashew tree is attacked by 2 species of cashew stem and root borers (CSRB). The grubs (young ones) of this pest is like stout caterpillars and feed beneath the bark, thereby hampering nutrient translocation. The partially chewed fibres and excreta are exuded from the attacked portion, which is mixed with gum from the plant. The tree looses its leaves, twigs dryup and the tree gradually dies within a year or two. In order to control the pest and save the tree, the grubs inside an attacked tree have to be extracted carefully, causing minimum damage to the tree and avoiding girdling. The frass and gum should be scraped and removed and affected portion should be swabbed with carbaryl (0.2%) suspension/Chlorpyriphose 10 ml per litre.

The cashew tree is attacked by 2 species of cashew stem and root borers (CSRB). The grubs (young ones) of this pest is like stout caterpillars and feed beneath the bark, thereby hampering nutrient translocation. The partially chewed fibres and excreta are exuded from the attacked portion, which is mixed with gum from the plant. The tree looses its leaves, twigs dryup and the tree gradually dies within a year or two. In order to control the pest and save the tree, the grubs inside an attacked tree have to be extracted carefully, causing minimum damage to the tree and avoiding girdling. The frass and gum should be scraped and removed and affected portion should be swabbed with carbaryl (0.2%) suspension/Chlorpyriphose 10 ml per litre.

CSRB during its life time for over 8 months feeds on thick bark and gum in the sap which are highly nutritious. To control this pest, continuous survey at monthly intervals, followed by mechanical extraction of grubs, with minimum damage to the tree, as well as phytosanitation involving uprooting of trees and destroying them are to be followed regularly. As the pest is a highly migrating type, regular checking of infestation is needed to detect fresh initial incidence by the pest.

CSRB during its life time for over 8 months feeds on thick bark and gum in the sap which are highly nutritious. To control this pest, continuous survey at monthly intervals, followed by mechanical extraction of grubs, with minimum damage to the tree, as well as phytosanitation involving uprooting of trees and destroying them are to be followed regularly. As the pest is a highly migrating type, regular checking of infestation is needed to detect fresh initial incidence by the pest.

The cashew stem and root borer is pre-dominantly a root zone borer. Even when majority of the roots are damaged, the canopy will retain its greenness, for some months. However, due to the girdling effect at the collar region, such trees will not survive and hence need to be uprooted and destroyed to avoid spreading of pest inoculum.

The adults of CSRB starts egg laying from December and fresh incidence occurs pre- dominantly till May, with a peak oviposition during February-April. Though mechanical barriers as mud slurry and mud slurry with pesticide and polythene sheet wrap were tried, their efficacy over long durations was not encouraging. It is always better to identify the initial damage and try for recovery of the infested tree rather than attempting prophylactic (preventive) measures for all the trees in the orchard.

Death of cashew tree is due to infestation by cashew stem and root borer and not due to any disease. The adult beetles emerging from such trees mate and further lay eggs in nearby cashew trees and pest infestation does not spread through soil. Hence, removal of such severely infested cashew trees is necessary in order to reduce chances of survival of pest inoculum in the cashew orchard and further fresh attack of the healthy trees.

Egg laying is more on the base of the tree trunk which is already attacked by CSRB. Similarly CSRB attack is more in the trees which are nearer to the attacked trees. It is an indication of existence of chemical components that attract the female beetles to lay eggs. Studies are being undertaken at the Directorate to find out the volatile present in bark or frass that attract CSRB female beetles.

Application of cashew apple around the base of the tree trunk does not attract CSRB adults and so there is no adverse effect by the application. Moreover, soil is enriched due to the addition of certain nutrients by incorporation of cashew apples in to the soil.

As pest (CSRB) emergence and egg laying on cashew continues for 4-6 months (December - January to April - May), an effective long duration repellant for oviposition is not presently available and repeated applications of any pesticidal swabbing will not be cost effective. Hence, treatment of the infested trees in initial stage of attack by mechanical removal of grubs followed by swabbing the treated portion with carbaryl (0.2% i.e 4g/l of water) is more beneficial. Another preventive measure of much importance is phytosanitation involving uprooting of severely infested and dead cashew trees, as well as regular inspection every month for fresh pest incidence.

Termites feed on dead tissues of cashew trees and are considered minor pests of cashew. They have a colony deep below the soil and feed quite far from that colony, hence eradicating termites is not feasible. However, to protect cashew trees from being damaged by termites, chlorpyriphos (0.2%) can be swabbed on the trunk region. Termites act as scavengers and convert dead plant matter into humus by feeding and are in a way beneficial to the ecosystem.

Termites feed on dead tissues of cashew trees and are considered minor pests of cashew. They have a colony deep below the soil and feed quite far from that colony, hence eradicating termites is not feasible. However, to protect cashew trees from being damaged by termites, chlorpyriphos (0.2%) can be swabbed on the trunk region. Termites act as scavengers and convert dead plant matter into humus by feeding and are in a way beneficial to the ecosystem.

Cashew is damaged by porcupines mainly at young stage of the plant by gnawing at collar region. Hence, to avoid this, 2 split bamboo pieces may be tied onto the main stem using a wire, for 1-2 years beyond which much damage is not noticed.

Leaf miner damage will be severe in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon flushes. The first spray taken up against TMB (monocrotophos – 0.05% or quinalphos – 0.05%) will take care of leaf miner incidence in post-monsoon flushes. Since the damage on pre-monsoon flushes is not severe, it is not necessary to take up spraying at that stage.

The early instars of hairy caterpillar normally aggregate on plant parts and so manual collection and destruction is helpful in reducing the damage to a great extent. Further, carbaryl (0.1%) can be sprayed to check the build up of the pests.

• Normal Density Planting
• High Density Planting
• Ultra High Density Planting

The pit size will be 50cmx50cmx50cm or 60cmx60cmx60cm in general condition. Fill the 2/3rd of the pit with top soil and add rock phosphate /Rajphose 100 to 200gm per pit or neem + bone meal. Mix it well. Then take a shallow pit in center and place graft after removing the polythene cover without any breakage of the soil. Fix well in the soil and give a staking support to protect the plant from wind damage. Mulch the basin with leaf or coir pith and pour some water to retain soil moisture. Peg four stick rectangulary around the planted grafts and place a two sided opened plastic gunny bag to protect the young plant from sun scorch. Water the plants once in fortnightly interval to avoid moisture stress.

The pit size will be 50cmx50cmx50cm or 60cmx60cmx60cm in general condition. Fill the 2/3rd of the pit with top soil and add rock phosphate /Rajphose 100 to 200gm per pit or neem + bone meal. Mix it well. Then take a shallow pit in center and place graft after removing the polythene cover without any breakage of the soil. Fix well in the soil and give a staking support to protect the plant from wind damage. Mulch the basin with leaf or coir pith and pour some water to retain soil moisture. Peg four stick rectangulary around the planted grafts and place a two sided opened plastic gunny bag to protect the young plant from sun scorch. Water the plants once in fortnightly interval to avoid moisture stress.

The pit size will be 50cmx50cmx50cm or 60cmx60cmx60cm in general condition. Fill the 2/3rd of the pit with top soil and add rock phosphate /Rajphose 100 to 200gm per pit or neem + bone meal. Mix it well. Then take a shallow pit in center and place graft after removing the polythene cover without any breakage of the soil. Fix well in the soil and give a staking support to protect the plant from wind damage. Mulch the basin with leaf or coir pith and pour some water to retain soil moisture. Peg four stick rectangulary around the planted grafts and place a two sided opened plastic gunny bag to protect the young plant from sun scorch. Water the plants once in fortnightly interval to avoid moisture stress.

The main items of Value Added Products made from Cashew Apple are Cashew Syrup, Cashew Jam, Pickle, Cookies, candy, carbonated drinks and soft drinks.

KSACC has no direct marketing unit. KSACC is also facilitating to sell the cashew nuts to KSCDC or CAPEX.

The price of cashew raw nuts varies from place to place. Currently the price ranges from Rs.130/- to 140/- per KG

During 2025-26 the following schemes will be implemented for maximum utilization of land area for better production

Pit size range from 50cm3 to 60cm3 in general. In hard soil the size of the pit has to be deepened up to 1m x 1m.

During 2025-26 the following schemes will be implemented for maximum utilization of land area for better production

Pit size range from 50cm3 to 60cm3 in general. In hard soil the size of the pit has to be deepened up to 1m x 1m.

During 2025-26 the following schemes will be implemented for maximum utilization of land area for better production

Pit size range from 50cm3 to 60cm3 in general. In hard soil the size of the pit has to be deepened up to 1m x 1m.