Training-cum-Distribution of Cashew Grafts Organised under Tribal Sub-Plan at ICAR-DCR, Puttur

17 August 2026, Puttur

ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, organised a training programme on scientific cashew cultivation under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) for farmers belonging to the Mavilan tribal community at Thayanoor, Kasaragod, Kerala, today. The programme was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), Kasaragod and NABARD.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Padmanabhan N., Secretary, Gothrabandhu Vikasana Samithi, Kasaragod. This was followed by an overview of the initiative and remarks on its significance for the participating farming community.

The participants were briefed on the objectives and opportunities available under the TSP scheme and encouraged to make effective use of the support provided through the initiative. As part of the programme, 7 acres of demonstration plots featuring high-yielding cashew varieties have been planned, providing farmers with an opportunity to observe their performance and potential under field conditions.

A technical session on planting and post-care of cashew grafts covered critical aspects of scientific cashew cultivation, including site selection, land preparation, planting, nutrient management, irrigation, pest and disease management, and other essential cultural practices for the successful establishment and maintenance of cashew plantations. The interactive session also enabled farmers to raise field-level concerns and seek technical guidance on cashew production practices.

As part of the initiative, 1,000 cashew grafts of improved varieties, including Nethra Ganga, Nethra Jumbo-1, Nethra Jumbo-2, Bhaskara, Priyanga, Vengurla-7 and Ullal-3, were distributed among 32 tribal families. Cashew Special, a nutrient mixture developed exclusively for cashew, was also distributed to the beneficiaries.

The programme aimed to strengthen the technical knowledge and practical skills of tribal farmers in adopting scientific cashew cultivation practices, while promoting improved productivity and sustainability of cashew plantations. The initiative also seeks to promote cashew cultivation as a viable and sustainable livelihood option for tribal farming communities in the region.

A total of 44 farmers from the Mavilan tribal community participated in the programme and benefited from the technical session and interactions with the resource persons.

(Source: ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur)