Constraints faced and to seek the suggestions of cashewnut growers for overcoming the constraints in efficient management of cashewnut cultivation

Cashewnut is an important horticultural plantation crop. It has gained status of commercial crop from that of a forest component due to technological advancements with respect to propagation, production and management. The present study involve a sample size of 240 cashewnut growers from south Konkan of Maharashtra state The selection of districts and tahsils was done on the basis highest area under cashewnut cultivation. Constraints were identified and quantified based on frequency and percentage. The major constraint faced by cashewnut growers, damage due to change in climate and unseasonal rainfall, fluctuation in market price, difficulty in getting updates of different market’ and no knowledge about cashew apple processing. More than two third of the respondents faced the constraint high cost of pesticides and fungicides, damage due to wildfire and loss due to pest and diseases. Majority of the respondents suggested government interventions are necessary in cashewnut price fixation, while one more necessary suggestion respondents suggested that regular and timely visit to the farm be ensured by the agricultural extension professionals. This was followed by training is needed for the cashewnut growers regarding plant protection measures and post harvest technologies. More than three-fourth of the respondents suggested that ‘government need to take some necessary action for control of wild animals’, and formation of cashewnut growers co-operative society be promoted.