The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), a body under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, marked National Cashew Day on November 23rd, 2023, by facilitating the export of Cashew Nuts to Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia, and the USA. This initiative is a significant step in diversifying the market for Indian cashew products.
Bangladesh, in particular, is set to receive its inaugural shipment of Cashew Nuts from Odisha, underscoring India's role as a major player in the global cashew trade. India, after Côte d'Ivoire, stands as the second-largest producer and exporter of Cashew Nuts, contributing over 15% to the world's cashew export. Vietnam follows closely in this ranking.
India's primary export destinations for cashews include the UAE, the Netherlands, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerge as the leading states in cashew production. The country predominantly exports Cashew Kernels, accompanied by smaller quantities of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and Cardanol.
Despite the UAE and the Netherlands maintaining their status as top export destinations, APEDA is actively working to explore new markets for cashew, with a focus on countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Spain, Kuwait, Qatar, the USA, and various European nations. To celebrate National Cashew Day, APEDA collaborated with its Regional Offices, Cashew Association, Exporters, and Stakeholders, organizing events in seven states. These programs included interactive sessions, networking opportunities, knowledge-sharing platforms, and discussions on industry trends and challenges.
During the event, Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, underscored the importance of such gatherings. He mentioned that on that day, their various regional offices of APEDA had come together not only for celebration but also to participate in meaningful discussions regarding the growth trends, production, export strategies, and the challenges encountered by the cashew sector.
Recognizing the growing demand for cashew products, Mr. Dev conveyed his enthusiasm for the industry's expansion. He attributed this growth to the diligent efforts of farmers, processors, and exporters. Mr. Dev praised the commitment of the farmers, highlighting that they had played a crucial role in augmenting cashew production. According to him, their dedication to quality and sustainable farming practices had not only elevated industry standards but had also positioned them as key players in the global market.
Looking ahead, APEDA is considering intervention in the automation of the cashew industry, implementing training programs for professionals, establishing a registration system for cashew processing units, and introducing a traceability system similar to peanuts.
The authority is committed to disseminating relevant information to stakeholders and continuously exploring innovative methods, leveraging technology, and strengthening trade relations to ensure the global reach of Indian cashew products.
