Vietnam stands as one of the leading global producers of cashew nut kernels. The country’s favorable climate and topography create an ideal environment for cashew nut cultivation. The yield per tree in Vietnam, however, varies based on factors such as tree age, soil type, and climatic conditions. Despite the popularity of cashews, there is limited knowledge about the cashew yield per tree. This blog post aims to shed light on the calculation of cashew yield per hectare and overall cashew yield. The formula for cashew yield per hectare is straightforward: it involves determining the kilograms of cashews produced per hectare. Continue reading for a deeper understanding!
Cashew Nut Yield per Tree in Vietnam
Cashew nut cultivation in Vietnam is primarily concentrated in the southern provinces of Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria Vung Tau. The cultivation is predominantly carried out on small, family-oriented farms, with an average farm size ranging from 0.5 hectares to 3 hectares. Typically, around 92% of cashew nut trees yield by the third year after planting.
The yield per tree in Vietnam is influenced by the tree’s age. On average, the yield increases from approximately 2 kg per tree at 3-5 years to 4 kg at 6-10 years, and further to 5-10 kg for trees aged 11-15 years. Beyond this age range, trees tend to yield in excess of 10 kg as they mature. Vietnam boasts various cashew seed types, with the majority falling into five main varieties. These varieties generally produce clusters of 5 to 10 fruits, characterized by a predominant yellow color. However, there are notable differences in kernel ratio, raw cashew nut size, and overall yield.
Approximately 60% of Vietnam’s cashew cultivation area, covering about 150,000 hectares, yields an average output of 1.5 tons per hectare.

Seed Of Cashew Nut Grown in Vietnam:
- Seed ES-04:
- Kernel Ratio: 27.5%
- Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) Size: 173 nuts/kg
- Yield: 55-65 kg/plant/year
- Seed EK-24:
- Kernel Ratio: 28%
- RCN Size: 120 nuts/kg
- Yield: 35-45 kg/plant/year
- Seed BD-01:
- Kernel Ratio: 27%
- RCN Size: 165 nuts/kg
- Yield: 45-55 kg/plant/year
- Seed KP-11:
- Kernel Ratio: 27.5%
- RCN Size: 150 nuts/kg
- Yield: 45-55 kg/plant/year
- Seed KP-12:
- Kernel Ratio: 27%
- RCN Size: 140 nuts/kg
- Yield: 55-65 kg/plant/year

The standard nut count for raw cashew nuts is as follows:
The nut count represents the quantity of nuts found in 1 kg of the selected raw cashew sample subjected to testing. This count is determined by the size distribution of the cashew nuts within the sample.
- 170 – 180, it is excellent
- 181 – 190, it is a very good
- 191 – 200, it is good
- 201 – 210, it is medium or moderate
- 211 – 220, it is low medium
- 221 – 230, it is poor

Cashew kernels size measure
There are a total of 33 cashew nut grades, though only 26 are accessible for purchase. These specifications are outlined by the Vietnam Cashew Industry, with each grade identified by a combination of two or more letters and a number.
