Good Fortune for Cashew Farming

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon unveil 109 advanced crop varieties, including two innovative cashew hybrids from the Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) in Puttur. These new hybrids, ‘Netra Jumbo-1’ and ‘Netra Ganga,’ promise to significantly boost cashew farming with their improved yield and quality.

Netra Jumbo-1: Revolutionising Cashew Farming

DCR Director Dinakara Adiga and his team developed the ‘Netra Jumbo-1’ hybrid. This variety produces nuts weighing 12 grams each, with over 90% uniformity in size. Farmers can yield 29-30 kg of kernel from 100 kg of raw cashew nuts, surpassing current export standards with a W130 grade kernel, compared to the existing W180 grade.

Economic Benefits

• This hybrid saves farmers approximately $0,19 per kg in labor costs for nut-picking.
• Additionally, the larger nuts command a premium price, adding $0,12 per kg.
• Overall, ‘Netra Jumbo-1’ can boost profits by $0,31 per kg.
• Its larger size also reduces processing labor costs, making it an efficient choice for commercial cultivation.

Netra Ganga: A High-Yield Hybrid

The ‘Netra Ganga’ hybrid, developed by former DCR Director-in-Charge Gangadhara Nayak and his team, features large 12-13 gram nuts. This cluster-bearing variety blooms from December to April, producing 29.5% kernel.

Suitability for Modern Farming

Ideal for high-density planting, ‘Netra Ganga’ responds well to pruning and yields over 5 kg per plant by the third year. This hybrid’s early production and high yield make it a valuable addition to cashew plantations, particularly for farmers adopting modern farming practices.

The ‘Netra Jumbo-1’ and ‘Netra Ganga’ hybrids offer higher yields, better kernel quality, and increased profitability. These new varieties, launched alongside other innovative crops, will significantly benefit the agricultural sector.