MP promises boost to cashew sector

Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel on Sunday said he was aware of the problems being faced by the cashew industry and promised to render “all possible help”.

Speaking after inaugurating the platinum jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association here, Mr. Kateel urged the association office bearers to visit New Delhi for discussions with the Ministries concerned.

He said reduction in cashew production, which is a good source of foreign exchange to the country, was a matter of concern and all should work towards addressing problems being faced by the industry.

Association president B. Rahul Kamath urged the government to give priority to value addition to cashew apple to encourage cultivation of cashew nut trees. Platinum Jubilee celebration committee chairman Walter D’Souza submitted a memorandum to MLC Ivan D’Souza urging the government to come out with a Cashew Policy to promote the cultivation of the crop.

The association would distribute more than 60,000 cashew saplings to farmers across the State before June 23 to encourage cultivation, Mr. D’Souza said.

- The Hindu