A Preliminary Study on Factors Affecting the Production of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Cashew has the potential to deliver the sources of income for farmers, empower rural women in the processing sector, make employment opportunities and build foreign exchange through exports. This study was conducted to find out the factors affecting cashew production and to identify the major constraints present in cashew cultivation met by farmers in the Maritimepattu Divisional Secretariat Division in Mullaitivu District of Sri Lanka. It was examined the social characteristics, economic factors, and farming knowledge of cashew cultivation among farmers in the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 60 respondents selected through a simple random sampling method. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used for the data analysis. Results revealed that age and education level significantly (P<0.05) and negatively affected on production while, farming knowledge and participation of training significantly (P<0.05) and positively affect the cashew production and it was found that the mean income from cashew production per acre was LKR 121,848.00 per annum and the average yield of the sample of respondents was 312 kg/ha. Cashew cultivators were constrained by several limitations such as inadequate machineries, severe pest and disease attack, lack of marketing facilities, no reasonable price for fresh cashew apple, poor cashew processing technology and poor storage facilities. Farmers should be trained and educated well in terms of good agronomic practices, and processing technologies to increase the quality and productivity.