Farmers of Pathari Sanischare of Morang have been attracted towards cashew farming. Presently, the number of farmers who prefer cultivating different types of crops is increasing. Cultivation of crops like cashews, dragon fruit, grapes, kiwi, and avocado is flourishing.
The attraction of farmers for cultivating new cash crops is also increasing and the demand in the market is also very high. The daily routine of Bhubaneshwar Pokharel of Pathari Sanischare-3, Morang has entirely changed. Pokarel, a former teacher, tends to his cashew plants in his field in the morning and evening. Even though he is 75 years old, his enthusiasm remains the same as that of a young man.
Around three years ago when he went on a pilgrimage to Chardham in India, the cashew seedlings he brought from Rishikesh have made him a businessman. Within three years the seedlings began to produce cashews. Pokharel has now cultivated cashew seedlings on about 3-Kattha land. Pokarel’s farm now has plants ranging from cashews, and dragon fruits to grapes.
Pokharel, elated by the cultivation of cashews, replanted cashew seedlings that produced over five kilograms of cashews. Production of these plants has now started. This shows that commercial cultivation of cashew nuts is possible in Nepal as well.
Pokharel said that cashew plants are cultivated and produced because one can get a good income in a short time. Cashews can be cultivated at an altitude of up to 1,600 meters above sea level.
The cashew plant is about 10 feet high. Pokharel, is currently producing more than 500 seedlings yearly and has been selling each seedling at Rs 75 in the local areas. Through his nursery, Pokharel has sold seedlings to Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari. The demand for cashew seedlings has even reached the hilly district of Tehrathum.
In the first year of the production of seedlings, the Agriculture Branch of Urlabari Municipality distributed 150 cashew seedlings to the farmers. Instead of other plants and crops, it has been seen that planting cashew seedlings is more lucrative. A plant in Pokharel’s nursery has produced 15-20 kg of cashews annually and he hopes to grow up to 50 kg of cashew nuts. Pokharel said that if you start cultivating cashew nuts there is no need to go abroad and work for your living.
Similarly, Sabina Rai, chief of the agriculture section, said that new agriculture farming has commenced in Pathari Sanischare town. She said that the cultivation of cash crops like cashew nuts, dragon fruits, grapes and avocados has turned out to be beneficial for the farmers and they are also earning a good profit from these products. She added that the municipality has launched a new program based on the demands of the farmers along with a ‘one ward, one production’ program to further encourage the farmers.
Nepal mainly imports cashew nuts from India and Vietnam. In the first month of the fiscal year 2023-24, cashew nuts worth Rs 58.2 million were imported from these two countries. In the market, the massive amount of cash flow for Indian cashew nuts could be stopped if Nepal produced its own cashew nuts.
Studying cashew production primarily as a potential business in India shows that it would increase income and employment. Cashews are in high demand in the market due to their several health benefits, nutrition and versatility. Cashew nuts are sold at prices ranging from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000 per kilogram. Additionally, the outer shell of the cashew nuts is sold at the rate of Rs 1100 per kilogram and is used in making wine and other liqueurs.