Nut Talk

India: cashew council to focus on exports
The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India has decided to focus on increasing the production of raw nuts to 1.9 million MTs, and export of cashew kernels to 2,75,000 MTs by 2020.
According to the CEPCI-Vision 2020, presented by Walter D'Souza, chairman of CEPCI and released by Union Minister Oscar Fernandes here on Sunday, the country would have to increase its raw nut production to 1.9 million tonnes to achieve the export target of 2,75,000 tonnes of cashew kernels as against the current 1,15,000 tonnes.
The move, according to the document, would translate to employment generation of 850 million man-days for 1.25 million workers and sustainable horticulture by one million farmers. The CEPCI would formulate good manufacturing practices for cashew industry on a par with world standards by March 2007 to achieve zero defects by December 2007. The council would intensify programmes for technological upgradation and modernisation of the cashew industry to meet buyers' expectations.
The council also proposed to improve packaging and presentation of cashew to give added value to customers. Besides, it would work towards quality certification and rating for cashew exporters. The council has promised to explore new markets, leading to exports to 125 countries as against the 65 at present. The CEPCI will target a growth of 50 per cent in exports to 20 focus countries in the new markets to be explored.
The council, the document said, would ensure that 20 per cent of the cashew exported would be value added and marketed with `Made in India' brand. The council has also decided to increase awareness about nutrition value of cashews to target groups and benefits of cashew to a larger audience. It will initiate necessary studies in nutrition in cashew to substantiate, validate and confirm the benefits to the consumer.
The council has also decided to initiate efforts to maximise the usage and export of all other cashew products such as cashew apple and its by-products. Mr. Fernandes inaugurated the valedictory session of the CEPCI's golden jubilee celebration. Principal Secretary (Industry) T. Balakrishnan, prominent cashew exporters and officials of the CEPCI attended the function.