: Amid ongoing challenges in raw cashew nut (RCN) availability, the shortage of RCN continues to affect the cashew sector in Andhra Pradesh. Members of the Andhra Pradesh Cashew Manufacturers' Association (APCMA) are urging the state government and scientists to explore the introduction of the M23 cashew variety — a premium Cambodian type — in coastal Andhra Pradesh to improve cashew yield and quality. Poor yield and low quality of locally produced RCN have deepened the crisis, forcing many processing units to depend on imports from African countries. Recently, a high-level Indian delegation, led by officials from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the All India Cashew Association (AICA), visited Cambodia to explore trade and collaboration opportunities. Speaking to TOI, APCMA president and AICA vice-president Phani Raghavulu said the quality of Cambodian cashews, particularly the M23 premium variety, is highly sought after in India. Cambodia is the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts, while India is one of the largest global importers and processors. Do you believe introducing the M23 cashew variety in Andhra Pradesh would improve local cashew yields? Yes, it would significantly improve yieldsNo, it won't make a difference Andhra Pradesh has around 700 cashew processing units, with 350 located in Palasa-Kasibugga, Srikakulam district. About half of these units function at just 50–60% capacity. The Srikakulam factories produce roughly 60,000 kg of cashew kernels daily, but require 80,000–1,00,000 tonnes of raw cashews per year to maintain quality output. Although Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra are top cashew-growing states, the yield and quality of locally produced RCN in Andhra Pradesh have been declining. Poor-quality RCN produces kernels that are wrinkled, discoloured, and smaller, fetching lower market prices, said APCMA vice-president and AICA board member Malla Kantarao. Raghavulu highlighted that Cambodia’s M23 variety yields 1.5 tonnes per acre, compared to 0.5 tonnes per acre for local varieties. “If our scientists and government introduce M23 types locally, cashew yield could triple, boosting farmers’ income and the industry’s revenue,” he said. Currently, Andhra Pradesh has over 1.2 lakh hectares under cashew cultivation, with 40–50% of trees older than 25 years, contributing to low yields and poor-quality kernels. The shortage of domestic RCN has forced processors to import cashews from countries including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Tanzania, and Indonesia at higher costs. Cambodia, as the world’s second-largest RCN producer, offers a growing supply of high-quality cashews. Members of AICA hope their recent visit will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the cashew sector.