'Modernize cashew processing units'

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation (OSCDC) has suggested the government to modernize cashewnut processing units. "All roasting units should be banned with immediate effect to increase efficiency, reduce pollution and make the work environment conducive for labourers," said managing director of OSCDC Niroj Nalini Jena, in a recent letter to principal secretary of agriculture, official sources said.

Jena's letter stated that maximum thrust is on modernization, technology upgradation and automation of processing units. Besides, feasibility of the export market should also be explored, she said.
The letter while giving several suggestions also pointed out that contact farming and long-term lease plantation would enable better maintenance and thereby enhance production. "We have only given some suggestions. It depends upon the government to think over it," said Jena. She said at present 327 such units located across the state process about 1.10 lakh MT cashewnuts every year.
Jena said around 60% of the total units in the state have upgraded from roasting to boiling. They are yet to install modern equipment and adopt export quality hygiene standard. Cashew is planted over 1.5 lakh hectare across the state. Of them the corporation covers nearly 30,000 hectare, she added.

- India Times