Tamil Nadu Forms Cashew Board to Strengthen Industry, Create Jobs
Cashew Board in Cuddalore to boost production, exports.
The Tamil Nadu government has launched a groundbreaking Cashew Board headquartered in Cuddalore, aimed at revolutionizing the state’s cashew industry by enhancing production, supporting farmers and workers, and boosting exports. Announced by Agriculture Minister M R K Panneerselvam, the initiative is backed by a Rs 10 crore allocation from Chief Minister M K Stalin’s 2025-26 agriculture budget, signaling a robust commitment to strengthening a key sector of the state’s economy.
Tamil Nadu, the fifth-largest cashew producer in India, cultivated 43,460 metric tonnes of cashew nuts this year across 2.09 lakh acres, making it the country’s second-largest cashew exporter. The newly formed Cashew Board, chaired by Panneerselvam, comprises 12 members, including experts from Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, representatives from the Tamil Nadu Food Processing and Agriculture Export Promotion Corporation, and officials from the horticulture and agriculture departments. Notably, two farmers from major cashew-growing districts will also serve on the board, ensuring grassroots input.
The board’s mission is multifaceted: reducing Tamil Nadu’s reliance on cashew imports from African countries, promoting self-sufficiency, and creating employment opportunities through cultivation and value-added processing. Farmers will benefit from access to high-yielding cashew varieties, training in pest management, and advanced post-harvesting technologies. The board will also facilitate export opportunities and introduce welfare programs to support growers and workers, particularly in Cuddalore, Ariyalur, and other key cashew-producing regions.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Celebrates Police Day with CM Stalin Participation
“This is a game-changer for our cashew industry,” Panneerselvam said in a statement. “By fostering innovation and supporting our farmers, we aim to elevate Tamil Nadu’s position in the global market while ensuring economic security for those in the sector.” The move is expected to create thousands of jobs, from cultivation to processing, and solidify Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a cashew powerhouse.
The establishment of the Cashew Board comes at a time when global demand for cashews is rising, offering Tamil Nadu a chance to capture a larger share of the market. With its focus on sustainable practices and farmer empowerment, the initiative could serve as a model for other states, positioning Tamil Nadu as a leader in agricultural innovation and export-driven growth.
Also Read: Nirmala Sitharaman Slams DMK’s Dravidian Model as Separatist, Highlights Governance Failures
