General knowledge of cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are a type of fruit and nut crop that thrives in tropical, warm, and humid climates. This crop can be grown in areas with high temperatures and can tolerate altitudes up to 700 meters above sea level. However, for optimal growth, temperatures should remain above 20°C for extended periods. Ideal growing conditions include temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C and rainfall between 1,000 and 2,000 millimeters, with a dry season of four months to achieve high yields.

Cashew nuts are a significant agricultural crop in Cambodia. As of 2024, Cambodia has over 580,000 hectares dedicated to cashew nut cultivation, yielding an average of about 1.5 tons per hectare. In the first seven months of 2024, Cambodia produced more than 830,000 tons of raw cashew nuts, marking a 36.7% increase and making it the second-largest cashew exporter in the world. The Royal Government of Cambodia aims to transform the country into the world’s largest cashew nut exporter and a global leader in cashew production. To achieve this, the government has launched the “National Cashew Policy 2022-2027,” and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries is working on establishing three modern cashew Agricultural Cooperatives (AC) in Kampong Thom province. These ACs will receive financial and technical support to enhance their operations and generate added value and high profits. (MAFF, 2024)