PhD Thesis
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Item Marketing strategies for export of cashew in Kerala(Department of Rural Marketing Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management ,Vellanikkara, 2023-03-07) Haritha , Paul.; Ushadevi , K NCashew (Anacardiumoccidentale L) often referred to as ‘wonder nut’ is one of the most valuable processed nuts traded on the global commodity markets and also an important cash crop. In 2021, the global cashew nut production was 39 lakh tonnes, led by Vietnam and India with a combined 39 percent of the world total (FAOSTAT, 2021). Vietnam (20%) is the largest producer of cashew and the major competitor for India (19%) in cashew export. Vietnam exports 54.24 percent of the total cashew traded in the world compared to India’s share of 16.32 percent (Rajesh, 2019). India is the secondlargest exporter of cashew in the world. India’s export of cashew was 67647 metric tonne valued at 3867.16 crore in 2021. The major markets for Indian cashew during 2021 were the UAE, Netherlands, Japan and USA (GoI). India is the largest importer of raw cashew nuts from African nations. The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) is an agency to promote the export of cashews and acts as an intermediary between global importers and Indian exporters of cashew. Even though Kerala stands 5th position in the production of the cashew in India, it is ranked first in the processing and exporting followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (GoI, 2021). However, currently, there is a continuous decline in both the area and production of cashews in Kerala from 2013 onwards (Annual Report of CEPCI, 2020). The cashew processing industry in Kerala which has been facing lot of problems due to increased wage rate, trade union issues, continuous use of traditional methods of processing (labour intensive), stiff international competition, fluctuations in international markets etc. The cost of production in Kerala is too high compared to other states. It is around . 3400 for a bag in Kerala compared to 1000 to 1800 in other states. Besides in other states the industry was able to improve the productivity by mechanisation and automation processes as a result it was multiplied by two or three times. In Kerala due to high resistance from the labour force this could not be materialised. More over high dependence on imports and price fluctuation affected our cashew exports. Cashew export processing unit also face supply crunch amid low xiv domestic output. The above listed problems are serious export marketing problems faced by the cashew export industry. Though there are lot of literature related to the trend and pattern and problems of cashew exporters, the study related to export marketing strategies and the determinants of cashew exports is very limited. In this context a study of “Marketing strategies for export of cashew in Kerala” is highly imperative. The study will help to contribute to this research gap. Moreover, the findings of the study will help to identify the existing export strategies and the problems faced by cashew exporters which will in turn help to improve the existing status of cashew exports and find a solution to the problems of cashew exporters. The objectives of the study are: to analyse the trend and pattern in cashew exports, to analyse the export marketing strategies for export of cashew in Kerala, to identify the major determinants of cashew exports in Kerala and to examine the problems faced by the cashew exporters in Kerala. The study used both primary and secondary sources for the collection of data. Secondary data were collected for analysing the trend and pattern in cashew exports from authenticated sources like Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI), Directorate of Cashew nut and Cocoa Development Board (DCCD), Department of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and UN Trade Statistics. Primary data were collected from the cashew exporters of Kollam district in Kerala. A sample of 68 exporters who were continuously exporting cashew for the last five years were selected through stratified random sampling method. To analyse the trend and pattern in cashew exports, variables like area, production, productivity of cashew nuts in India and Kerala, price of raw cashew nuts in Kerala, country wise export and country-wise import during the period from 1990-91 to 2019-20 (30 years), and the variables like import of raw cashew nut to India and export of cashew kernel from India were measured. The collected data were analysed with Annual Growth Rate (AGR), xv Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Instability Index, Regression Analysis and Kinked Exponential Method. To analyse the export marketing strategies of cashew exporters in Kerala, export marketing mix strategies (product, packaging, pricing, payment, distribution and promotion) were taken and analysed by using percentage method. The major determinants of cashew exports were identified by using variables such as legal and political factors, socio-cultural, geographic, economic, export and import policy, international trade agreement, market logistics, competitive and cost factors. Indices method and factor analysis were used to identify the major determinants in cashew export. Internal and external factors were taken into account for identifying the problems of cashew exporters. Garrett ranking method was employed to examine the problems faced by the exporters in Kerala. The trend in production of cashew in India and Kerala state has witnessed a positive growth. The demand for cashew nuts is always increasing in India and also at the world level. On the other hand, in India, the cashew export sector witnessed a negative growth in terms of quantity/value of export throughout the study period due to high competition from other countries and the slashing of the export incentives. Compared to export, import of raw cashew nut showed an increasing trend, because the domestic production of cashew in India is not sufficient enough to fulfill the requirement of the international demand of cashew kernels. The study on pattern of cashew export showed that USA, Netherlands, Japan, UAE and UK were found the most stable markets for Indian cashew. Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Guinea Bissau, Benin and Ghana were found as the major importing countries of raw cashew nuts to India. Additionally, the price of raw cashew nuts in Kerala showed positive growth till 2018. The comparatively lower price of imported raw cashew nuts increased the imports of raw cashew nuts and reduced the demand for domestic raw cashew nuts which in turn resulted in a fall in the price of the domestic cashew after 2018. With respect to the export marketing strategies, the strategies related to product, price, distribution and promotion were analysed. All the exporters are following only the xvi strategies directed by CEPCI nomenclature. The major export product strategies followed by the exporters are offering certified cashew, specified grades of cashew, premium cashew, crispier cashew, level of infestation, minimum broken percent of cashew and high-quality cashew. All the exporters were following premium and competitive pricing as pricing strategies. Further they focus on the distribution strategies like reaching customers via their mail order / WhatsApp/ online modes, exporting through shipping mode and ensuring timely delivery. The promotion of the cashew is ensured by giving samples to new customers, attending trade fairs organised by CEPCI (Kaju India) and BSM (Business Sellers Meet), publishing advertisements in the CEPCI Directory; permitting visitors to the exporting company, sending brochures, photographs and price lists by postal/online mode to their clients. From the factor analysis, quality of the product, the language and communication of the product package, the proximity of the international buyers to India, food quality standards and location where cashew is processed were found as the major critical success factors of cashew export market. After examining the problems faced by the exporters of cashew it is found that they were facing both internal and external problems. Exporters were confronted with internal problems such as high processing costs, Continuous strike of labours in seaport, high wage rates of workers, outdated shelling methods and high penalty charges for the damage of the product during transit. Unattainable Standard Input Output Norms (SION), competition from other countries, the impact of import duty on raw cashew nuts, export incentives are low compared to competing countries and penalties for late clearance cargo were the major external problems faced by the cashew exporters in Kerala. The study put forward some suggestions to improve the cashew export sector in Kerala. Drum roasting method (labour intensive) of processing of raw cashew nuts to cashew kernels to be replaced with machineries in a phased manner without affecting the premium label of cashew kernels from Kerala. This will help to reduce the cost of processing and there by reduction in the price of cashew kernels in the export market. xvii Further the reduced price will attract the price sensitive customers in the international market and will help to boost up export position of India. Effective marketing strategies like featuring of “Indian Cashew” (like brands of almonds, pistachio) as a brand and promoting through films, or television programmes, offering free gift to regular importers at certain intervals etc may be implemented to increase the quantity of export of cashew kernels in the existing markets and to attract more countries to export from India. Abolishment of Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS) negatively affected exporting firms of cashew kernels. Recently announced Remission of Duty and Taxes on Export Products (RODTEP) scheme has to be implemented at the earliest so as to help the exporters. Based on the study, it is suggested that, as state of Kerala is exporting only cashew kernels at present, if the exporters can explore the market of value added products of cashew which could help to improve their income generation and premier position in the export. In this regard, promotion and support from the cashew regulatory authorities is essential.Item Effect of NPK on seed progeny and air layers in cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L. )(Department of agronomy, College of Agriculture Vellayani , Trivandrum, 1985) Harishu Kumar, P; Sreedharan, CItem Integrated nutrient management in cashew in relation to yield and quality(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, 2001) Usha, K E; Vikraman Nair, RItem Marketing of planting matrrials for selected commercial crops in Kerala(Department of Rural Marketing and Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2002) Prema, A; Sukumaran, AThe study on "Marketing of planting materials for selected commercial crops 111 Kerala" was undertaken to analyze the various aspects of marketing of planting materials by the organizations engaged in the commercial production and distribution of planting materials of coconut, rubber, cashew and pepper. The source and variety preference of the farmers as well as the problems and constraints experienced by the producers and the farmer-consumers were also identified. The preference to source was measured in terms of quality, preferred variety, price, local availability and confirmed availability of planting material from the source. Based on the findings of the study appropriate models have been suggested for the marketing of planting materials. The study was conducted in the districts of Kozhikkode, Kottayam, Kannur and Idukki, which represented the four selected crops. The sample size was 300 farmers consisting of 75 farmers each of the selected crop. All the farms in the Government sector and 30 private nurseries in the study area were also subjected to in-depth study. Data were collected using interview schedules and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of the data. The study revealed that all the agencies in the Government sector, the Kerala Agricultural University, Agricultural Department Farms and the Rubber Board and 87 per cent of the private nurseries followed centralized production. None of the agencies undertook market survey before planning their production strategy. The Government sector agencies followed the Break-even method of pricing, whereas the private nurseries followed the production cost plus concept. The extension and field network of the Rubber Board was the most efficient one among the agencies studied generally disseminating the technology when compared to similar agencies in the field. The agencies did not make any systematic attempt to collect the feed back from the farmers. The farmers' preference for the sources varied with the crops. Most of the selected explanatory variables did not contribute substantially to farmers' preference to source, except the factor 'quality'. The awareness of farmers about the varieties and cultivars of crops was 'low to moderate' except for rubber. The visual indicators for selecting quality planting materials developed by the researchers had not percolated to the farmers yet. There is no existing quality control and certification mechanism to prevent unscrupulous elements in the field of planting material production and marketing. The analysis of the constraints experienced by the agencies revealed that labour related issues, difficulty in getting quality parent materials and lack of sufficient infrastructure facilities to undertake production were their major problems. The major problems felt by the farmers were 'lack of sufficient information', 'insufficiency of technical advice from the agencies' and' low quality of planting materials'. The results point out vividly to the prime need for a more systematic and effective marketing of planting materials with sufficient room for ensuring quality control and better coordination and supervision at all levels of production and distribution of planting materials by the scientists as well as extension personnel in order to improve the agricultural production, and ultimately the income of the farmer.Item Physico-chemical and nutritional attributes of cashew apple and its products(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Suman, K T; Indira, VThe study on “Physico-chemical and nutritional attributes of cashew apple and its products” was undertaken to evaluate twenty six varieties of cashew apple maintained at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara for various physico-chemical and nutritional attributes. Two products namely candy and tutty fruity were prepared from selected varieties and storage studies were carried out to find out changes in physico-chemical and nutritional attributes, organoleptic qualities and shelf life of products stored for a period of six months and the most suitable varieties for preparation of candy and tutty fruity were selected. With an objective of preparing candy and tutty fruity, analysis of cashew apples was carried out, which showed that the physico-chemical and nutritional attributes of cashew apple varied significantly among different varieties with an exception of insignificant variation in pulp weight. The highest and lowest fruit weight was noted in Priyanka and V-5 respectively. The variety Amrutha had the highest juice yield and juice residue ratio. The tannin content and other chemical and nutritional constituents have a direct impact on the quality of candy and tutty fruity. The variety Kanaka had the highest tannin content and lowest was in Amrutha and Anakkayam-1. Cashew apple was found to be low in acidity, pectin and reducing sugar. Eventhough the cashew apple is having a low content of protein and fat, it was found to be a rich source of carbohydrate, fibre, -carotene, vitamin C and minerals especially potassium. The highest vitamin C content of 367.26 mg 100 g-1 was noted in variety H-1610. The variety Madakkathara-2 had the highest phosphorus, manganese, sodium and potassium contents. The highest and lowest polyphenol oxidase activity was observed in V-1 and H-1593 respectively. After screening 26 varieties, 14 varieties were selected for the preparation of candy and tutty fruity and the quality attributes of the products were studied for a period of six months. The decreasing trend in acidity, tannin, pectin, ß carotene and vitamin C content of candy and tutty fruity may be due to low moisture content and practically nil microbial load. Due to biological inter conversion of natural products it was also observed that candy and tutty fruity showed increasing trend in the reducing sugar, total sugar, TSS and sugar acid ratio during storage. The percentage of mineral content of cashew apple candy and tutty fruity slightly increased on six months of storage due to the loss in moisture. In cashew apple candy and tutty fruity, overall acceptability decreased with increase in storage period. Browning and increase of sweetness showed a negative impact on acceptability which expressed a different flavour and taste in candy and tutty fruity stored for six months. Dharasree which had a low fibre and tannin content produced high quality candy and tutty fruity with an appealing golden yellow colour. Bacteria and yeast were not detected in candy and tutty fruity during six months of storage. Fungal count was observed in candy and tutty fruity through out the storage period, which increased with advancement of storage period. The increase in count was found to be minimum in both the products and the products had good shelf life. High sugar and low moisture content in candy and tutty fruity may not be favouring the microbial count. The most suitable varieties for the preparation of candy and tutty fruity were selected mainly based on crude fibre, tannin, sugar content and oragnoleptic scores. For the preparation of candy varieties viz. Amrutha, Anakkayam-1, Dharasree, V-5 and VTH 30/4 and for tutty fruity Amrutha, Anakkayam-1, Dharasree, H-1593 and V-5 were found to be most suitable. The cost for production of tutty fruity was higher than candy. From 1 kg cashew apple 745g candy was obtained whereas the yield of tutty fruity was only 715 g. Candy and tutty fruity can be prepared with low cost involvement from cashew apple and could provide a viable producItem Development pattern, storage behaviour and variability in processing characters of cashew apple(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Narayanan Kutty, M C; Ramachandran Nair, SStudies were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to analyse the fruit development pattern in cashew. The changes associated with growth and development of cashew apple and nut were evaluated. Storage behaviour of cashew apple was assessed under different conditions of storage. Cashew apple from different varieties/types were evaluated based on apple quality characteristics. Fruit development in cashew was completed in 52 to 60 days after fruit set. In early varieties like Anakkayam-I and Madakkathra-I fruit development and ripening of apple was completed in 52 days after set while in mid and late season varieties the period varied between 55 to 60 days after fruit set (DAFS). Difference between varieties in terms of apple length, circumference, fresh weight and dry weight at all stages of growth was significant. Absolute growth rate in terms of apple length, circumference, fresh weight and dry weight was also significantly different between stages of growth. The increase in fresh weight of cashew apple ranged from O.666g per day in variety Anakkayarn-I to 1. 129g per day in variety Madakkathara- 2 among the varieties studied. Absolute growth rate in terms of apple fresh weight was maximum during the period between 40 and 60 DAFS stage. The relative growth rate was maximum between 'Pea' stage and 20 DAFS stage. Volume of cashew apple showed a marked increase from 35 - 40 DAFS stage onwards. The specific gravity of cashew apple decreased from 1.072-1.14 at the early stages of growth to less than one in the ripe apple. Apple colour also changed along with ripening. Typical colour of the variety/ type was observed at the fully ripe stage of apple. Flesh firmness also showed a sharp decrease during ripening phase. Critical dependence of apple on presence of nut for its growth was observed till 45 DAFS stage. Removal of nut up to 25 DAFS stage resulted in termination of apple growth. Increased rate of growth for a short period was observed when nut was detached after 35 DAFS stage. Highest rate of growth for cashew nut was observed during the early stages of growth. Nuts attained maximum size and fresh weight at 30 to 40 DAFS stage. The Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was maximum during the first fifteen days after 'pea' stage. A second peak in RGR was observed between 41 and 50 DAFS stage. Kernel formation commenced from 20 DAFS stage and the dry weight increase of kernel continued throughout the growth period. Composition of cashew apple changed with maturity. There was an increase in moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), carbohydrate content and ascorbic acid content in cashew apple as the maturity advanced Acidity of cashew apple pulp and pectin content decreased during development. The crude fibre content increased up to the ripening stage and declined during ripening. The content of phenolic constituents decreased as the apple ripened. Peak activity of Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme was observed at 30 DAFS stage and 50 DAFS stage. The activity of PPO was stable at ambient temperature. Rate of respiration of cashew apple at all sta~es of growth was observed to be very high. The rate of respiration declined as the maturity advanced indicating non-climacteric behaviour. The rate of release of ethylene also declined during ripening. The cashew apple had typical dicot stem anatomy. Presence of lysogenously formed resin ducts was a characteristic feature. Accumulation of phenolic substances and starch grains was observed. Formation and expansion of resin ducts had a major role in the growth of cashew apple. Ripe cashew apples suffered severe damage by insect and non-insect pests as well as pathogens. More than 63 per cent of cashew apple collected at ripe stage had moderate to heavy damage. Cashew apples collected from fallen fruits suffered heavily due to mechanical damage. Storage of cashew apple under ambient conditions resulted in of 35 to 100 per cent spoilage by the second day. Storage up to 12-13 days was possible under refrigerated conditions with 15 to 1 ri: temperature and 85 per cent relative humidity. Apple collected from fallen fruits could be stored for 6-11 days under similar conditions. Packing cashew apple in polythene bags with or without ventilation decreased the storage life. Fungal decay and shrinkage were the main causes of spoilage of cashew apple. Pre storage treatments with warm water influenced storage life of cashew apple under refrigerated conditions. Calcium chloride dip treatment as well as vacuum impregnation could not improve the storability of cashew apple. Pre storage treatment with chemicals such as potassium meta-bisulphite, sodium benzoate or hydrogen peroxide was also not effective. Storage at temperature lesser than 8°C resulted in chilling injury. Appearance of sunken spots, pitting, water soaked lesions and discolouration was observed when apples were stored under freezing temperature. Twenty-five varieties/types of cashew were evaluated with reference to their apple quality characters. Significant variation in apple size, weight, juice yield, TSS, acidity, phenolic substances, ascorbic acid and TSS/acid ratio was observed. Varieties were grouped into six clusters based on Euclidean distance coefficients. Varieties H-1593, H-1600, V-4, K-19-1, Madakkathara-2, Dhana, Kanaka and M 2612 had desirable attributes with reference to quality parameters.Item Nutritional charecteristic in relation to growth and productivity of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Jagadeesh Kumar, T N; Mercy GeorgeThree field experiments and one green house study were conducted at Cashew Research Station (CRS), Madakkathara, Thrissur, Kerala during 1997 -99 with the objective to study the response of graft raised cashew to varying levels of nutrient regimes and to assess the variation in leaf nutrient status in relation to nutrient regimes and to develop yield prediction model based on tissue nutrient status; to study the varietal variation in tissue nutrient status of eighteen promising varieties in relation to yield; to assess the effect of lime and Mg S04 on the growth and productivity of cashew in late rite soils; to develop a nutritional strategy in the cashew nursery for the production of healthy root stocks. Exp. I Influence of nursery technique on growth of cashew root stocks a) Effect of potting media and nutrient supplements b) Effect of lime incorporation in potting media A study was also carried out to standardize a nutrient management strategy in the nursery to produce vigorous root stock. Three different potting media (soil, sand and FYM in 1: 1: 1; soil and FYM in 1: 1; soil and sand in 1: 1 ratio) and four nutrient supplements (control, 100 g N; 200 g N + 100 g PZ05; 200 g N, 100 g PZ05 and 200 g KzO 100 kg-1 potting media) in a factorial combination. The potting media containing 1: 1 soil : FYM mixture supplemented with 200 g N, 100 g PZ05, 200 g KzO per 100 kg potting media is best for producing good quality cashew seedlings. Investigation conducted to study the effect of incorporation of lime in potting media at different levels varying from 0 to 500 g 100 kg-1 potting media revealed that the response of cashew seedlings to the application of lime was limited. Exp. 11 Effect of soil nutrient regimes on leaf nutrient status and yield of graft raised cashew This study involving four nutrient reqirnes - namely, 375:165:375; 750:325:750; 1125:390:1125 and 1500:650:1500 g N, P20S and K20 tree-1 year" and an absolute control was conducted for three years on graft raised cashew variety Madakkathara-1. Flower production and yield characters were significantly influenced up to a level of 750:325:750 g NPK tree-1 year" .The chlorophyll a and b was highest both at flushing and flowering stages with the application of 750:325:750 g NPK tree-1 year". At pre- flushing and pre-flowering stages, Nand K concentration in leaf, the total uptake of N and K, the highest nut yield as well as kernel yield was highest with the application of 750:325:750 g NPK tree" year". Exp. III Effect of soil application of lime and magnesium sulphate on growth and productivity of graft raised cashew Investigation was carried out on five year old cashew grafts of variety Madakkathara-1, to study the effect of application of lime and MgS04 at four levels each (0, 500, 1000 and 1500 g tree" year") in a factorial combination on growth and productivity of cashew. The results showed that primary factors regulating the productivity of cashew was the number of flushes per unit area and application 500 g lime and 1500 g MgS04 has registered 85 per' cent reproductive flushes. Application of 1500 g lime and 1000 g MgS04 increased bisexual flowers, nut panicle" and nut weight. Increase in the contents of N, P and K was associated with decrease in the contents of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu, which explains the fact that these micronutrients restricted the uptake of primary elements. Exp. IV Varietal variation in leaf nutrient status and its relation with nut yield Among the 18 varieties tested in the varietal evaluation trial, three varieties namely V-5 and V-4 (Vengurla selections) and M-26/2 (Vridhachalam selection) were found to be promising in terms of nut yield, the most important commercial criteria in cashew. In most of the parameters related to yield, the above varieties were found comparatively better. Photosynthetic efficiency measured in terms of leaf chlorophyll content was also higher in these varieties. Leaf nutrient concentration (N and K) was also comparatively high in the high yielders.Item Litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics of selected multipurpose trees in homesteads(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Sheeba Rebecca Isaac; Achuthan Nair, MItem Morphophysiological analysis of growth and yield in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)(Department of Plantation Crops And Spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Pushpalatha, P B; Nazeem, P AItem Instant juice powders of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Rafeekher, M; Mini, CThe present investigation entitled ‘Instant juice powders of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)’ was carried out in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-2016 to optimise the process parameters for micro encapsulation through spray drying of cashew apple and pineapple juices, to evaluate the effect of drying on physical, chemical and nutritional quality parameters of fruit powders, to formulate blended fruit powder and to assess organoleptic quality, storage stability, economics and consumer acceptability of the standardised formulations. Fruit juice mixed with a carrier, maltodextrin or resistant dextrin in 80: 20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 40: 60 solid ratios were fed to co-current spray drier at inlet temperatures of 150oC, 160oC, 170oC, 180oC, 190oC and 200oC for optimization of drying parameters of cashew apple, pineapple and their equal blend independently. Feed rate was varied to maintain the outlet temperature at 88 ± 2OC with 4 bar atomization pressure and 2000 rpm blower capacity. Carrier resistant dextrin, juice solid to carrier ratio of 40:60 and 160oC inlet temperature resulted in high recovery of fine, coarse and bulked fruit powders. This combination recovered 72.09, 85.62 and 74.70 per cent of total solid content from juice carrier mix of cashew apple, pineapple and their equal blend respectively of which 40.55, 47.06 and 42.02 per cent were from cyclone. Based on higher recovery percentages, five treatment combinations (150oC to 190oC with 40:60 ratio) from each carrier were selected and subjected to physicochemical analysis. Resistant dextrin yielded fruit powders with low moisture, dispersible solids, viscosity, angle of repose and with high per cent soluble solids, lightness and hue angle, whereas maltodextrin yielded fruit powders with high total soluble solids. Resistant dextrin lowered chromaticity of pineapple and blended juice powder in contrast to the effect in cashew apple. Resistant dextrin produced pineapple powder with low water activity while maltodextrin improved bulk density of cashew apple and blended powder. Inlet temperature of 160oC yielded fruit powders with higher bulk density whereas powder moisture and angle of repose were low at 190oC. Drying at 160oC could decrease water activity and improve total soluble solids of cashew apple powder whereas reduction in water activity and chromaticity along with improvement of hue angle were observed in blended juice powders. Powders with resistant dextrin had high glass transition temperature and low hygroscopicity. Powder particles were spherical with 3 - 30 μm size and had occasional surface dents. None of the treatment combinations influenced sinkability of powders. Maltodextrin yielded fruit powders with high sugars and resistant dextrin yielded cashew apple powder with high vitamin C. Carriers did not significantly influence the energy value of fruit powders. Inlet temperature of 160 oC yielded vitamin C rich powders from all fruits as well as β-carotene rich pineapple powder. None of the treatment combinations influenced crude fibre, pH, total ash or titrable acidity. Fruit powders with resistant dextrin dried at 160oC had superior scores in sensory analysis. Good quality fruit powders produced at 160oC using each carrier, when subjected to a storage study for six months under four packaging atmospheres, microbial growth was totally absent. Refrigerated storage could maintain vitamin C, β-carotene, moisture content, titrable acidity, total phenol and high sensory acceptability of fruit powders. Cost of production of fruit powders with carrier resistant dextrin was comparatively less and highest consumer preference was for pineapple powder. Instant juice powders of cashew apple, pineapple and their equal blend produced by spray drying at 160oC with resistant dextrin as carrier in 40:60 juice solid to carrier ratio had optimum physical, chemical, nutritional and sensory qualities with six month shelf stability under refrigeration. Further studies to improve shelf life of the product in ambient temperature, exploration on nutraceutical functions and development of spray drier for small scale industries with higher efficiency will be highly beneficial for improving cost effectiveness and commercialization of the technology.