Cashew Nut Production in Andhra Pradesh state India: Global Challenges, Regional Trends, and Strategic Pathways for Revitalizing Production and Exports

The global cashew industry has undergone profound transformation over the past two decades, marked by a major realignment of production, processing, and trade dynamics. Once the dominant leader in global cashew production and exports, India now faces increasing competition from Vietnam and emerging African economies such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast. This study, titled “Cashew Competitiveness in India and Andhra Pradesh: Global Challenges, Regional Trends, and Strategic Pathways for Revitalizing Production and Exports,” provides an in-depth evaluation of India’s changing position in the international cashew landscape from 2010 to 2024. Using secondary data from FAO, CEPCI, DCCD, APEDA, and UN Comtrade, the research employs time-series and log-linear growth analysis to assess production, productivity, and export performance across leading global producers and major Indian states. The findings indicate that global raw cashew nut (RCN) output increased by over 60% between 2010 and 2022, while India’s share declined due to stagnating yields, ageing plantations, and limited mechanization. Vietnam’s rapid technological modernization and integrated value chain strategies enabled it to surpass India in both production and export earnings, whereas Nigeria and Ivory Coast achieved substantial growth through policy support and investment in raw nut expansion. Within India, Maharashtra remains the most productive state, while Andhra Pradesh—despite its vast cultivation area—suffers from declining acreage and yields, particularly in Srikakulam and Prakasam districts. India’s overdependence on manual processing, high labor costs, and fragmented policy implementation has constrained its competitiveness. The study concludes that modernization, plantation rejuvenation, automation, and the development of value-added products are critical for regaining global leadership. Strengthening the export ecosystem, improving research–industry collaboration, and empowering women workers through technological inclusion are essential pathways for ensuring sustainable growth in India’s cashew sector.