Goa's Cashew Harvest Kicks Off in Pernem with Early Fruiting
The cashew season has officially begun in Pernem taluka, Goa, with early fruits starting to appear in orchards and along the coastal belt. While the harvest is not yet in full swing, farmers have confirmed that plucking activities have commenced in select areas, marking an early February onset of the annual cashew cycle.
Modest Initial Yields and Feni Production Prospects
Farmers report that this timing aligns with the typical fruiting period for cashew trees in Pernem. Initial yields have been modest, with commercially viable quantities for juice extraction and feni production yet to ramp up. Cashew apples, which are essential for producing Goa's iconic liquor, feni, require sufficient volume for pressing. Currently, villagers are consuming the early fruits, but the quantities are inadequate for large-scale juice extraction.
Weather Conditions and Harvest Challenges
Weather conditions leading up to this season have been described as "normal" for cashew flowering, unlike mango crops that faced fluctuations. However, farmers have expressed concerns about rising temperatures potentially impacting the duration and quality of the harvest. One grower explained, "Once temperatures cross 34–35 degrees Celsius, the flowers can get burnt and pollination suffers. Sustained moderate weather through the coming weeks will be crucial to ensure a longer fruiting period."
Historical Trends and Recent Changes
Traditionally, cashew harvesting and feni production extended until mid-May, around May 15–20. In recent years, however, the season has shortened significantly. Last year, farmers noted that the harvest wound down by the first week of April, reducing the window for feni production. This trend highlights the growing challenges faced by the agricultural community.
Geographical Variations and Microclimatic Influences
Farmers have observed slightly quicker fruiting in coastal areas like Pernem compared to interior regions, although the varieties planted remain largely the same across Goa's villages. This difference is attributed to proximity to the sea, which can influence microclimatic conditions, potentially offering a slight advantage in terms of timing.
Future Outlook and Hopes for the Season
The true scale of this year's cashew season in Goa will become clearer in the coming weeks as other talukas begin harvesting. For now, farmers remain hopeful that moderate temperatures will allow the season to run longer than last year, enabling a robust feni-making cycle to unfold in the months ahead. As one farmer optimistically stated, "We are counting on favorable weather to support a productive harvest and sustain our traditional practices."
