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Abstract
Cashew is one of the most precious processed nuts traded on the global market and is also a vital cash crop. Cashew is often termed as wonder crop (Anacardium occidentale L.). India is the largest grower, processor and exporter of cashew in the world. It is also fascinating to know, that the new statistics exhibit India is also the number one consumer of cashew kernels in the world overtaking USA. For the last ten years, India has been the top exporter in global shelled cashew trade, accounting for more than 15%. With the increasing demand for cashew globally, the exports are increasing from India. This factor is helping to enhance the production capacities of cashew in India. India accounts for about 65 per cent of global cashew exports. India exports cashew kernels to over 60 countries. Its major markets are the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, the UK as well as Middle East countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Export of cashew nut shell liquid/Cardanol from India stood at 8,325 MT, valued at Rs 326.3 million (US$ 5.06 million) during 2017-18, while exports of cashew kernels stood at 84,352 MT, valued at Rs 58.71 billion (US$ 910.94 million) during the same period.