It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Expert Consultation on Integrated Production Practices in Cashew in Asia. May I take this opportunity to extend to all of you warm greetings on behalf of the Director-General of FAO, from my colleagues in the Regional Office and myself.
I am happy to see the positive response which we have received from the cashew experts in Asia. Considering the importance of this tree nut crop in the economy of Asian countries and the need for inter - country cooperation on problems of common interest, we have decided to hold this Expert Consultation in order to elaborate on integrated production practices for the crop, which if properly applied can increase substantially the production and productivity of cashew in Asia. While appreciating your response to our invitation, I hope that this meeting will prove to be productive and beneficial for all the participating countries.
Cashew has very good adaptability to a wide range of soils, from hard laterite to red sandy loams and sandy soils. In 1970, Africa was the largest producer accounting for 78 percent of world production, which subsequently had declined to 30.14 percent by 1996. The production in Asia during the same period increased from 15 percent to 46.45 percent, with the major producers being India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
It is estimated that the current area under cashew in the world is about 1.12 million ha with a production of about 700,000 metric tons of raw nuts. Out of the total kernel production in the world, 110,000 metric tons enter into the world export trade while the balance is consumed in the emerging markets of producing countries, especially in India. Brazil and India together account for over 91 percent of the world exports while African exports are estimated to be around 0.5 percent only. Five of the major markets, namely, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Japan and UK account for 82 percent of imports. It is estimated that about 60 percent of the exported nuts is consumed in the form of kernels while the other 40 percent is used in the confectionery industry. The outlook indicates a 5 percent annual increase in exports in the years to come and the demand is expected to increase both in the traditional markets of USA and Europe and also in the developing markets of Asia.
Another important product from the cashew industry is the Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), which can be extracted from the shells either by a centrifugal method or by using solvents and crushing plants. The major producer of CNSL is Brazil, followed by India and Mozambique. Brazil meets 60 percent of the world demand. A bright future for both kernel and CNSL is foreseen in world trade. There is, therefore, much scope for increasing the production of raw cashew nuts in many tropical countries, especially in Asia.
In nutritive value, cashew compares well with the other tree nuts, and in the new version of the traditional Mediterranean diet pyramid developed by the World Health Organization, tree nuts including cashew, are placed at the base of the pyramid encouraging daily consumption. Cashew kernels contain 50 percent fat, of which 82 percent is unsaturated fatty acids free from cholesterol. The nutritive features of the cashew nut should enhance the international demand and make the crop more attractive for farmers in developing countries.
As mentioned earlier, the very wide adaptability of cashew trees to a variety of soil types and their hardy nature relegated the crop in many countries for soil conservation purposes as well as for forestry programs. As a crop, it is primarily grown in small holdings and in homesteads. Till recently, it was considered as a crop which does not require much attention and was grown under neglected conditions in many countries. However, research conducted in India, Australia, African countries and Brazil has clearly indicated the responsiveness of the crop to improved technologies. Cashew is predominantly a cross - pollinated crop and therefore, plantations raised from seed are highly heterogeneous and exhibit considerable variability in growth habits and in bearing behavior.
The first step to increase production and productivity of cashew would be to identify superior varieties which have a high market demand and are suitable for different cashew growing environments in each country. The data available strongly suggests that regionalization of the germplasm is very important in increasing cashew production. The benefit of these improved varieties can only be realized if we can dispense with the seed propagation method and resort to vegetative propagation. I understand that in recent years considerable progress has been made in the standardization of vegetative propagation in cashew and we will be looking forward to the information on the progress made in different countries on this aspect. While it is a well known fact that although many of the small holdings and homestead plantings do not receive adequate attention in nutrient management, cashew does respond well to fertilizer application, especially organic fertilizers. It will be appropriate to identify technologies that are most cost-effective in small holdings. Similarly, plant protection is an important component of the crop management program. In order to develop an eco-friendly package however, it will be necessary to reduce dependence on chemical control methods and to switch over to integrated pest management practices. Other cultural practices such as training and pruning of young trees, weeding, mulching, supplementary irrigation as well as rejuvenation of old and unproductive trees can play a significant role in increasing the production and productivity of the crop. I am sure that all these production issues ranging from land suitability surveys, identification of outstanding varieties, planting material production, cultivation practices up to post-harvest activities will be adequately deliberated during this consultation and some useful conclusions and recommendations will emerge.
Development of the cashew industry in Asia will require a concerted effort on the part of governments and growers of each country. Collaboration between countries of the region is very important and could be rewarding. In view of the commonality of problems and issues, sharing of information and experience on various aspects of cashew production could lead to quicker and more remunerative results.
Distinguished participants, we in FAO, and myself do look forward to your advice and guidance concerning an appropriate strategy for the development of the cashew industry in the region. I can assure you of our full support to your efforts.
I wish you success in your present endeavor and a very pleasant stay in Bangkok.
