Cashew Farming
Learn about cashew farming profit in Nepal with our complete financial analysis, highlighting the agribusiness’s potential in favorable climates. Cashew farming is emerging as a profitable agribusiness, particularly in regions where climatic conditions favor its growth. With increasing global demand for cashew nuts and a significant reliance on imports in countries like Nepal, investing in cashew farming can be highly rewarding. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the costs, yields, and profitability of cashew farming per hectare, along with long-term income projections.
Cashew Cultivation Practices
Suitable Climate
Cashew cultivation thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. The ideal temperature range is 25°C to 35°C, while annual rainfall should be between 600–1,200 mm. Dry conditions during flowering and fruiting are crucial for proper nut development. Though cashew trees are drought-tolerant, they are highly sensitive to waterlogging, making well-drained soil essential. Coastal areas and regions with sandy or lateritic soils provide the best environment for cashew farming.
Soil Type
Cashew trees perform best in well-drained sandy loam or lateritic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The trees can tolerate dry conditions but do not thrive in heavy clay or waterlogged soils, which can hinder root development and overall tree health.
Land Preparation
Before planting, land preparation is necessary to ensure healthy root establishment and tree growth.
- Plowing & Leveling: The land is plowed and leveled to remove weeds, improve aeration, and enhance water infiltration.
- Pit Digging: Pits of 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm are dug at designated spots and filled with organic manure or compost to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Total Number of Plants Per Hectare
The number of cashew plants per hectare depends on the spacing system used.
- Standard Planting Density: Typically, 200–250 plants per hectare are planted, ensuring adequate space for growth.
Planting Distance
The spacing of cashew trees plays a significant role in their growth, yield, and ease of management.
- Traditional Spacing: 7m × 7m, accommodating approximately 204 plants per hectare.
- High-Density Planting: 5m × 5m, allowing up to 400 plants per hectare, but requires regular pruning for optimal productivity.
Fruiting Age
Cashew trees begin flowering and fruiting in the 3rd year after planting. However, a full commercial yield is achieved from the 6th year onward, when the trees reach peak productivity and start producing nuts in large quantities.
Also Read About: Grape Farming Profit Per Hectare
Cost of Investment per Hectare
The cost of establishing a cashew farm and one hectare of land is given below:
Categories | Cost (NRs.) |
Land Preparation | 1,04,477 |
Cashew Saplings (270 plants @ NRs.300 each) | 81,000 |
Fertilizers and Manure | 1,50,000 |
Irrigation System Setup | 3,00,000 |
Labor Costs | 1,05,000 |
Pest & Disease Control | 90,000 |
Miscellaneous Costs | 1,20,000 |
Total Initial Investment | 10,50,567 |
Income from One Hectare of Cashew Farming
Cashew plants typically begin yielding nuts in their third year, with production increasing significantly each year. Below is the projected income from one hectare:
Year | Estimated Yield (kg) | Market Price (NRs. /kg) | Total Income (NRs.) |
3rd Year | 267 | 1,000 | 2,67,000 |
4th Year | 1,070 | 1,000 | 10,70,000 |
5th Year | 1,602 | 1,000 | 16,02,000 |
6th Year and onward | 2,149 | 1,000 | 21,49,000 |
Annual Maintenance Cost
From the second year onward, the only major expenses involved are maintenance-related, which include:
- Labor (pruning, harvesting, upkeep)
- Fertilizers and manure
- Pest and disease control
- Irrigation system maintenance
The estimated annual maintenance cost per hectare is NRs. 4,00,000–5,00,000.
Profit Calculation Per Hectare
From 6th Year Onward (When Yield is Fully Established)
- Annual Revenue: NRs. 21,49,000
- Annual Maintenance Cost: NRs. 4,49,000 (average)
- Net Profit Per Hectare: NRs. 17,00,000
Key Benefits of Cashew Farming
High Return on Investment
Cashew farming offers a highly profitable return once the trees reach full productivity. From the sixth year onward, farmers can expect a net profit of over NRs. 17 Lakhs per hectare annually. The initial investment, which includes land preparation, saplings, irrigation, and maintenance, is recovered within the first few years of full yield. This makes cashew farming a lucrative long-term agricultural venture.
Low Maintenance Costs
Once the cashew plantation is well established, the annual maintenance costs remain relatively low. Farmers typically spend around 25–30% of their total revenue on maintenance, including pruning, irrigation, pest control, and fertilization. Compared to other cash crops, cashew trees require less frequent care, making them an attractive option for sustainable farming.
Long-Term Productivity
One of the biggest advantages of cashew farming is its long lifespan and consistent productivity. Cashew trees continue to bear nuts for 20–30 years, ensuring a steady and reliable income for farmers. With proper care and management, yields can remain high for decades, making cashew farming a one-time investment with long-term financial returns.
Growing Market Demand
The demand for cashew nuts is steadily increasing, both locally and internationally. Nepal heavily relies on imports to meet domestic consumption, creating a strong local market for cashew farmers. By cultivating cashews within Nepal, farmers can tap into this growing demand, reduce dependency on imports, and contribute to the country’s agricultural economy. The expanding market ensures stable pricing and consistent buyer interest, making cashew farming a promising business opportunity.
Final Thoughts: Is Cashew Farming Profitable?
Yes! Cashew farming requires an initial investment but offers long-term profitability with minimal recurring expenses. Once trees start yielding fully by the sixth year, farmers can generate a net profit of over NRs. 17 Lakhs per hectare annually, making it one of the most rewarding agro-businesses for long-term investors.