Unseason rain, pest attack hits cashew yield in Nagapattinam district

Cashew farmers in Nagapattinam district are reporting a sharp drop in yield this season, with losses estimated between 40% and 50%, primarily due to unseasonal rains and pest infestations.

Cashew farmers in Nagapattinam district are reporting a sharp drop in yield this season, with losses estimated between 40% and 50%, primarily due to unseasonal rains and pest infestations.

Cashew is cultivated on over 5,000 acres in the district, with major cultivation being in Vedaranyam and Keezhaiyur. Farmers say the impact had been particularly distressing as the region had only recently begun to recover from the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gaja in 2018.

“After Cyclone Gaja, it took us years to revive cashew plantations. In the past few years, yields had started to improve. But this year, unseasonal rainfall combined with pest attacks has hit us hard,” said S. Mohan, a farmer from Vettaikaraniruppu. “The flowers, fruits, and even leaves are turning black, and despite applying fertilisers, nearly half the yield has been lost,” he added.

According to farmers, cashew fruits are fetching ₹20 to ₹25 a kg while cashew nuts are being sold at ₹110 to ₹120 a kg. “Market prices are fair this year, but the reduced volume means farmers are unable to benefit,” said Mr. Mohan.

Officials from the Horticulture Department in Nagapattinam acknowledged the situation. “We have been advising farmers on timely application of fertilisers and other preventive measures. However, the unseasonal rains have compounded the issue, making pest management more difficult,” an official said.