GOAN CASHEW (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, Goan cashew (kernel) got the geographical indication (GI) tag.

Goan Cashew

• About:  Cashew, native to northeast Brazil in Latin America, was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century, precisely in 1570.
• Initial Purpose in India: Upon its introduction on the Indian coasts, cashew was primarily recognized as a crop for afforestation and soil conservation.
• Prominence in Goa: In the state of Goa, cashew occupies the largest area among horticultural crops.
• Soil and Climate: Well-drained deep sandy loam soils are the most suitable for cashew cultivation. Generally, all soil types, from sandy to laterite, are well-suited for this crop.
• It thrives in the hot, humid conditions of the Indian coastal areas.
• Temperature: Range of 20 to 38 degrees Celsius, with a relative humidity between 60 to 95%.
• Extreme low temperatures and frost are not conducive for successful cashew plantations.
• Cultivation: Plains of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and certain parts of the North East hill region.

GI Tag

• About: It is a symbol used on items that come from a particular geographical area and have qualities or a reputation linked to that place of origin.
• Nodal Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Tenure: 10 Years
• Regulated By: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
• India’s First GI Product: Darjeeling Tea (2004-05)