Planting Cashew: See How To Plant Cashew

Cashew farming has gained significant traction in Nigeria due to the increasing demand for nuts and by-products.

Nigeria is one of the top cashew-producing countries globally, with cashew farming offering substantial economic benefits.

However, successful cashew cultivation requires careful planning, knowledge of the planting season, proper land preparation, and effective pest control measures.

This article will provide detailed steps to plant cashews in Nigeria and maximize your yield.

Description of a Cashew Plant

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree grown in many tropical regions, including Nigeria.

The cashew tree is medium-sized and can grow up to 12 meters (39 feet) in height, although it is often pruned to encourage lateral growth.

Cashew trees produce edible nuts attached to the cashew apple, a juicy, pear-shaped fruit.

The nuts are encased in a hard shell, which requires processing to extract the edible kernel.

Cashew trees thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil, making Nigeria’s conditions favourable for their growth.

The Planting Season for Cashew in Nigeria

Cashew planting in Nigeria is typically carried out during the rainy season, which provides ample moisture for germination and early growth.

The best time to plant cashews in Nigeria is between April and June.

This period coincides with the early rainy season in most regions of the country.

It’s important to avoid planting too early or too late in the season, as cashew seedlings require a steady water supply during their initial growth stages.

Planting Cashew

Step 1: Choose a Location

Selecting the right location is crucial for successful cashew farming.

Cashew trees thrive in areas with full sunlight and minimal shade.

They require well-drained sandy or loamy soil, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.

Once established, cashew plants are also drought-tolerant, but they need regular watering during their early growth stages.

The ideal cashew planting area should have the following:

• Good sunlight exposure.
• Annual rainfall of 1000-2000 mm.
• Soil with a pH range of 5-6.5.

Ensure the location is accessible for potential irrigation, pest control, and harvest activities.

Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation

Before planting cashews, clear the land of any vegetation, rocks, or debris.

This process includes removing grasses, weeds, and any trees that could block sunlight.

Land preparation also involves tilling the soil to loosen it and improve aeration.

It’s advisable to test the soil for fertility and pH levels and adjust accordingly.

If the soil is acidic, applying lime can help neutralize it, making it more suitable for cashew cultivation.

Step 3: Means of Propagation

Cashews can be propagated by seeds or vegetative means like grafting and budding.

However, most farmers prefer planting cashew seeds because they are readily available and cost-effective.

Grafting and budding, while more complex, allow farmers to replicate desirable traits from mature cashew trees.

• Seeds: Cashew seeds are usually collected from mature fruits and allowed to dry for a few days before planting.
• Grafting/Budding: These methods ensure uniformity in plant characteristics like early fruiting and pest resistance.

Step 4: How to Plant Cashews from Seed

If you choose to propagate cashews through seeds, follow these steps:

1. Soak the seeds: Before planting, soak the cashew seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the outer shell and promote faster germination.
2. Prepare the planting holes: Dig holes 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide, spacing 7-9 meters between each hole. This spacing ensures that the trees have enough room to grow without competing for nutrients.
3. Planting the seeds: Place the soaked seed in each hole and cover with soil. Ensure the seed is planted 3-5 cm deep. Water the seeds immediately after planting.
4. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the seedlings to retain moisture and control weed growth.

Step 5: Watering

Watering is essential for cashew seedlings during the first 2-3 years of growth, especially during dry spells.

Newly planted cashew trees should be watered at least twice a week during the dry season.

Ensure that the water penetrates the soil deeply to encourage strong root development.

Once the trees are established, they become drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering.

Step 6: Apply Manure

To enhance soil fertility and promote healthy tree growth, apply organic manure or compost during planting.

Cashew trees benefit from a mix of organic matter like animal dung, green manure, or compost.

You can also use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers to boost growth.

Apply fertilizers in a ring around the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk to prevent root burn.

Maturity and Harvest

Cashew trees typically take 3-5 years to reach maturity and produce fruit.

However, the first significant harvest usually occurs in the 5th or 6th year.

When the cashew apples turn red or yellow, and the attached nuts are hard, they are ready for harvest.

To harvest:

1. Pick the cashew apples: Gently pick the mature apples from the tree. The attached cashew nut is separated from the apple for further processing.
2. Dry the nuts: Spread the harvested nuts in the sun for several days to dry. This process reduces moisture content and preserves the nuts for storage or processing.

A mature cashew tree can produce up to 50 kg of nuts annually, depending on the soil, climate, and management practices.

Pest and Diseases

Cashew trees are vulnerable to various pests and diseases, which can significantly reduce yield if not appropriately managed.

Common pests include:

• Stem borers: These pests damage the tree’s bark, making it weak and prone to breakage.
• Helopeltis bugs: These insects suck the sap from tender shoots, leading to wilting and reduced nut production.
• Thrips: Thrips feed on young leaves and flowers, causing premature fruit drop.

Diseases affecting cashews include:

• Powdery mildew: This fungal infection affects young leaves and shoots, leading to defoliation.
• Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes leaf spots, dieback, and fruit rot.
• Root rot: Caused by saturated soils, this disease leads to the decay of the tree’s root system.

Pest and Disease Control

To control pests and diseases in cashew trees:

1. Prune regularly: Pruning helps to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections.
2. Apply pesticides: Use insecticides to control pests like stem borers and Helopeltis bugs. Ensure that you follow proper guidelines for pesticide application to avoid harming the tree.
3. Use organic fungicides: Organic fungicides like neem oil can help control fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose.
4. Maintain soil health: Avoid waterlogging and apply compost or manure regularly to keep the soil fertile and disease-free.

How Many Cashew Plants Can I Grow in an Acre of Land and What Quality of Cashew Can I Harvest?

On average, you can grow 100-150 cashew trees on one acre of land, depending on the spacing you choose (7-9 meters between each tree).

Once it reaches full maturity, with proper care and management, each tree can produce 25-50 kg of cashew nuts annually.

Quality is determined by factors like soil fertility, pest and disease management, and proper harvesting techniques.

Nuts from well-maintained cashew trees tend to be larger, higher in oil content, and have a better flavour, making them more marketable.

Conclusion

Cashew farming in Nigeria can be highly profitable if done correctly.

You can enjoy a successful harvest by choosing the right location, preparing the land properly, and taking steps to protect your plants from pests and diseases.

With consistent care, cashew trees will provide you with a valuable crop year after year.

I hope this article was helpful.