Geographical indication (GI) tag for Goan cashews

Subject : Geography

Section :Economic geography

Context: The Geographical indication (GI) tag for Goan cashews holds significant implications for the cashew industry in Goa.

Significance of GI Tag for Goan Cashew

The GI tag ensures that cashews bearing this label are authentic products originating from Goa. This helps consumers distinguish between genuine Goan cashews and those sourced from outside the state, which are often falsely marketed as ‘Goan cashews.’
Goan cashew manufacturers and processors can use the GI tag as a trademark in the international market. This protection helps safeguard the reputation and quality associated with Goan cashews.
Goa has a long history of cashew cultivation, and the GI tag helps in preserving the cultural and historical legacy of Goan cashews.
By promoting authentic Goan cashews, the GI tag can potentially boost the demand for these products, benefitting local cashew producers, manufacturers, and the state’s economy.

Cashew

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is an evergreen tree native to coastal northeastern Brazil. It is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India.
Cashew trees are grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, where the average temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and the annual rainfall is between 1,000 and 1,500 millimetres. The trees prefer well-drained, sandy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
India is the world’s largest producer of cashews, accounting for over 20% of global production. While India leads in raw cashew nut production, Vietnam leads in the processing of cashews.
Maharashtra is India’s largest cashew nut-producing state. Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The nut is edible and is used in a variety of cuisines. The cashew apple, which is the fruit of the cashew tree, is also edible and can be eaten fresh, juiced, or processed into jams and jellies.
Cashew apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.
Cashew shell liquid is a valuable byproduct that is used in the production of varnishes, paints, and other industrial products. Cashew shell liquid is also used in the production of cashew nut butter.
They are a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus.

Historical Background of Cashew in Goa

Cashew was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Initially, it was primarily cultivated for afforestation and soil conservation purposes. However, it was not until a century after its introduction that the economic value of cashew nuts became apparent.
The edible value of cashew nuts was reportedly discovered by Goan prisoners who were exiled to the Portuguese territory of Africa (Mozambique) during Goa’s freedom movement in the mid-18th century.
The first cashew factory in Goa began operations in 1926, and the first consignment of cashew kernels was exported in 1930. Over time, cashew production transitioned from a cottage industry to a large-scale one, driven by demand, particularly from the United States.
Before Goa’s liberation in 1961, the region exported substantial quantities of processed cashew nuts, both locally grown and imported from Portuguese colonies in Africa. On average, around 1500 tonnes of processed cashew nuts were exported to countries like the USA, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and West Germany.
The cashew processing industry accounted for about 60% of industrial production in Goa by 1961, and it was a significant contributor to foreign trade. Various factors, including favourable import duties, port expenses, lower rents, wages, and salaries, contributed to the industry’s growth and success.