Training cum Distribution of Cashew Grafts organised under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of ICAR-DCR Puttur
ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research (ICAR-DCR), Puttur, organised a training programme on scientific cashew cultivation on 17 August 2026, under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) for farmers belonging to the Mavilan tribal community at Thayanoor, Kasaragod, Kerala. The programme was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), Kasaragod and NABARD. The training programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Padmanabhan N., Secretary, Gothrabandhu Vikasana Samithi, Kasaragod. Following the welcome address, Dr. Sasikumar, Director, CRD, Kasaragod briefed the participants about the initiative and Shri Sharon Vas, DDM, NABARD, Kasaragod, wished the programme success. Dr. Aswathy Chandrakumar, Scientist (Agricultural Extension), provided an overview of the TSP scheme and motivated the tribal farmers to make the best use of the opportunity. She also highlighted that 7 acres of demonstration plots featuring high-yielding cashew varieties have been planned under the initiative, providing farmers with a hands-on opportunity to witness the performance and potential of these varieties firsthand.
Dr. Bhagya H. P., Scientist (SPM & AP), ICAR-DCR, Puttur, handled a technical session on planting and post-care of cashew grafts, covering important aspects of site selection, land preparation, planting, nutrient management, irrigation, pest and disease management, and other essential cultural practices for successful establishment and maintenance of cashew plantations. The programme aimed at enhancing the technical knowledge and practical skills of tribal farmers in adopting scientific methods of cashew cultivation and improving the productivity and sustainability of their plantations. The interaction also provided an opportunity for the farmers to clarify their field-level concerns and receive expert guidance on cashew production practices.
A total of 44 farmers from the Mavilan tribal community participated in the training programme and benefited from the technical session and interactions with the resource persons. During the training programme, 1000 cashew grafts of improved varieties such as Nethra Ganga, Nethra Jumbo-1, Nethra Jumbo-2, Bhaskara, Priyanga, Vengurla-7 and Ullal-3 were distributed to 32 tribal families. Cashew Special, a nutrient mixture developed exclusively for cashew, was also distributed during the programme. The programme served as a valuable initiative towards strengthening the capacity of tribal farmers and promoting scientific cashew cultivation as a sustainable livelihood option in the region.
