Question

Who introduced cashew nut in India ?

• A. Chinese Traveller
• B. Portuguese Traveller
• C. French Traveller
• D. Unian Traveller

Hint:

Crops Introduced to India by Portuguese: 1. Cashew nut 2. Potato 3. Tomato 4. Chilli 5. Tobacco 6. Papaya

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks which foreign historical explorers introduced the cashew nut (Acardium occidentale) plant to India.

Step 2: Key Historical & Geographical Background:

• tive Origin: Cashew is tive to Eastern Brazil (South America).
• Introduction to India: Introduced in the $16^{\text{th}}$ century (around 1560--1570 AD) by Portuguese explorers.
• Primary Initial Purpose: Planted along the coastal region of Goa and Malabar to prevent coastal hill soil erosion.
• Commercial Evolution: Later recognized for its edible high-value kernel and Cashew Apple Processing (e.g., Feni spirit in Goa).

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Portuguese sailors brought seeds from Brazil to Goa, India.
• The plant adapted rapidly to the tropical warm-humid climate and acidic lateritic soils of the Western Ghats.
• Today, India is one of the world leaders in cashew nut production, processing, and export.
• Chinese, French, and Unian travelers played no role in the introduction of cashew to the Indian subcontinent.

Step 4: Fil Answer:
Cashew nut was introduced to India by Portuguese travelers. Therefore, option (B) is correct.