Cashew has played a historic role in Kerala’s agrarian and industrial landscape, particularly in Kollam, which once stood as the cashew processing capital of the world. Kerala produces tens of thousands of tonnes of raw cashew annually and hosts a large processing workforce, much of it women. However, the sector today faces deep structural stress—declining domestic raw nut availability, rising dependence on imports, factory closures, labor distress, and eroding global competitiveness. Kerala Vision 2047 must therefore reimagine cashew as an integrated farmer–processor–export economy rather than a fragmented, declining industry.
The root challenge in Kerala’s cashew sector is the disconnect between cultivation and processing. Over time, cashew acreage declined as farmers shifted to other crops, while processing capacity remained high. This created dependence on imported raw cashew from Africa, exposing processors to currency risks, global price swings, and supply disruptions. Vision 2047 must rebuild domestic cashew cultivation in Kerala and nearby regions, ensuring a stable raw material base for processors.
Cashew cultivation in Kerala has strong potential in midland and highland areas with appropriate varieties and scientific management. By 2047, cashew should be promoted as a climate-resilient, low-labor perennial crop suited to marginal and degraded lands. Improved planting material, canopy management, soil nutrition, and pest control can significantly raise yields. Replantation of aging trees must be supported through long-term incentives, as cashew, like coconut, has a delayed income cycle.
Processing remains Kerala’s greatest advantage in the global cashew value chain. However, much of the sector operates with outdated technology and thin margins. Vision 2047 should focus on modernizing processing units through mechanization, energy efficiency, and quality automation while safeguarding worker livelihoods. Skill upgrading, ergonomic improvements, and safety standards can raise productivity without sacrificing employment dignity.
Value addition beyond raw kernels is critical. Kerala largely exports plain kernels, while higher margins are captured through flavored products, branded consumer packs, and ready-to-eat snacks. By 2047, Kerala should host strong cashew brands targeting domestic and international retail markets. Cashew butter, confectionery ingredients, vegan dairy alternatives, and health snacks offer significant growth potential aligned with global food trends.
Labor welfare must be central to any revival strategy. Cashew processing employs a predominantly female workforce that has faced job insecurity and declining real incomes. Vision 2047 must ensure stable employment, social security, healthcare access, and skill mobility for cashew workers. Processing units should evolve into modern food factories with predictable work cycles rather than seasonal, crisis-driven operations.
Supply chain integration will define competitiveness. By 2047, cashew farmers, processors, exporters, and logistics providers must be linked through transparent, contract-based systems. Digital traceability can connect raw nut origins to finished products, improving quality control and meeting international compliance requirements. This integration reduces inefficiencies and builds trust across the value chain.
Research and innovation must support long-term resilience. Kerala should invest in cashew varietal improvement, disease resistance, and post-harvest science. Collaboration between agricultural research institutions and processing industries can ensure that cultivation practices align with processing needs, reducing wastage and quality losses.
Environmental sustainability is an emerging opportunity. Cashew apple, often wasted, can be processed into beverages, ethanol, and nutraceutical products. Shell liquid has industrial applications. By 2047, Kerala’s cashew sector should adopt a zero-waste approach, turning by-products into revenue streams while reducing environmental impact.
By 2047, cashew in Kerala should no longer be a story of decline and nostalgia, but one of integration, dignity, and global relevance. A revitalized cashew economy—rooted in local cultivation, empowered workers, modern processing, and strong branding—can once again make Kerala a respected leader in the global cashew industry while providing secure livelihoods to thousands.
