Cashew cultivation, coconut production decline in Goa

Porvorim: The area under cashew cultivation in Goa decreased in 2024-25 compared to the previous year, standing at 56,953 hectares, down from 57,001 hectares in 2023-24. This was shared by agriculture minister Ravi Naik in his reply to a legislative assembly question tabled by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Friday.

The total area under cashew cultivation in Goa remained relatively stable over the past five years. However, according to the data shared by Naik, the area covered was 56,829 hectares in 2020-21, gradually increasing to 56,953 hectares by 2024-25.

The figures for the interim years were 56,890 hectares in 2021-22, 56,934 hectares in 2022-23, and 57,001 hectares in 2023-24, indicating minimal fluctuations in cashew farming land during this period.

He said that since the financial year 2021-22, 506 accidental fires were reported, of which 451 cases occurred in cashew plantations. These fires damaged 329.2 hectares, and a total compensation of Rs 178.4 lakh was paid to the affected farmers, he said.

In his reply to another question, Naik said the coconut industry is also facing a setback, with production measured in million nuts dropping by 6.2% and productivity measured in nuts per hectare declining by 6.4%.

He said that many coconut plantations consist of senile palms, which contributed to reduced yields. Additionally, coconut groves are often neglected due to labour shortages and the high cost of fertilisers, he said.

In 2022-23, Goa recorded a coconut production of 163.1 million nuts with an average productivity of 6,113 nuts per hectare. In 2023-24, coconut production in Goa declined to 160.9 million nuts with an average productivity of 6,006 nuts per hectare, followed by a further drop in 2024-25 to 150.8 million nuts and a productivity of 5,625 nuts per hectare.