Mangaluru: Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation (KCDC) and state forest department will jointly organise a two-day cashew fest and workshop at Kadri Park here from May 17. The fest will be inaugurated by forest minister Eshwar Khandre. Announcing the event after releasing the fest poster here Saturday, speaker UT Khader said there is a pressing need to raise awareness of cashew cultivation, which he said has been gradually neglected in the district.“In earlier days, children enjoyed eating cashew apples, something children growing up in cities rarely experience today,” he said.Khader said the govt has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for promoting cashew cultivation. He said the cashew industry has played a major role in generating employment in Dakshina Kannada.“There is a strong international market for cashew nuts. Due to a shortage of raw materials, India imports raw cashew kernels from other countries, processes them and re-exports them,” he said, adding that efforts should be made to encourage every household in the district to grow cashew plants.Free saplings to be distributedKCDC managing director Kamala Karikalan said 1,000 people would receive free cashew saplings during the event. Farmers will also be educated about high-yielding cashew varieties such as Ullal-1, Ullal-3 and Bhaskara.Workshops will focus on value addition from cashew apples, including preparation of juice, jam, jelly, candy and carbonated drinks. Ten progressive farmers will be felicitated during the fest.A business-to-business session involving representatives from Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association and All India Cashew Industry Association will discuss marketing opportunities and industry challenges. Dakshina Kannada exports nearly 15,000 tonnes of cashew nuts annually, but industries are not able to meet demand through domestic production alone.Self-help group members will also be trained in preparing value-added cashew products.KCDC chairperson Mamatha DS Gatti said drawing, essay and elocution competitions for children would also be part of the celebrations.
