AN ASSESSMENT ON CASHEW NUT PRODUCTION IN CUDDLORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

The present study has been carried out with a view to analyse the growth, stability and performance in the production of cashew nut in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. The study has focused on the production of cashew nut before and after Thane Cyclone of December 2011. A comparative study of cashew nut production spread through different years of Pre-Thane and Post-Thane cyclone revealed that production in the pre-Thane cyclone was much higher than that of post-Thane. It has also been observed that, though cyclone has significantly damaged the farming, the farmers still indicate it as one of an important economic activity for livelihood. Study shows a strong perception of farmers towards cashew cultivation and shows a positive future prospect in the region. Therefore, immediate and effective measures should be taken to substitute all weakness and support farmers for more cashew nut production.