The Cashew Crucible: Progress, Problems and Prospects of the Sri Lankan Cashew Journey

The Sri Lankan cashew industry plays a vital role in national economy, realizing the outputs in connection to the plantation agriculture on generating valuable export revenue and promotion of tourism in order to supporting livelihoods in country. This comprehensive study examines the multifaceted journey of the cashew in Sri Lanka with cultivation to processing and up to consumption (C to C) of value chain. Due to the overall impact on national economy and livelihoods as focal benefit, this study delves into the industry’s rich history and the research traces its evolution from colonial origins to its current status as a significant player in the global cashew market. The study explores the diverse challenges confronting the industry, including aging plantations, declining yields, labour shortages, climate change impacts, and market volatility. It also highlights the innovative solutions being implemented to address these issues, such as the development of climate-resilient cashew varieties, the adoption of modern processing technologies, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. Findings indicate that while these interventions show promise, their widespread adoption remains limited, necessitating further investment in research, extension services, and farmer training.