During the 1970s, Kerala held the top position in terms of the extent of area under cashew cultivation in the country. However, with the expansion of rubber plantations, a major shift occurred, and substantial cashew areas were converted to rubber cultivation. Presently, Kerala ranks 6th in terms of area and 5th in production among states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Despite this shift, Kerala continues to play a crucial role in the Indian cashew industry, particularly in processing and exporting.The state boasts approximately 800 registered cashew nut processing units, providing employment to around 3 lakh workers, with an overwhelming 95% of them being women. This highlights the significant contribution of Kerala to the cashew industry, emphasizing its prowess in processing and exporting activities.