Recently, Goa cashew has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring recognition and safeguarding for local cashew farmers.
- The application for the GI tag for the Goan cashew — derived from the Portuguese name ‘caju’ or ‘kaju’ in Konkani — was filed by the Goa Cashew Manufacturers’ Association (GCMA), with the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management, Government of Goa, acting as facilitator.
- Cashew was native to northeast Brazil in Latin America and was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570).
- At the time of its introduction on Indian coasts, cashew was known mainly as a crop for afforestation and soil conservation.
- Maharashtra is India’s largest cashew nut producing state.
