The Kerala Cashew Board Limited (KCB) is changing its strategy for procuring raw cashew nuts (RCN), shifting from reliance on imports, primarily from African countries, to sourcing domestically within India. This move, approved by the state government, aims to solve RCN shortages and quality issues plaguing Kerala’s cashew industry.
Key aspects of this shift include:
- Reduced Import Dependency: The initiative seeks to decrease reliance on international imports, promoting self-sufficiency within the Indian cashew market.
- Support for Local Farmers: KCB will work with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives across India, providing a stable market for domestic cashew farmers.
- E-Tendering: KCB will use e-tendering to procure RCN from domestic sources, ensuring a transparent and efficient process.
The expected impact on Kerala’s cashew industry includes:
- Improved Operational Efficiency: A consistent supply of domestically sourced RCN should improve the efficiency of Kerala’s cashew processing units, including those run by KSCDC and CAPEX.
In short, KCB’s shift to domestic RCN procurement is a major step towards revitalizing Kerala’s cashew sector, reducing import dependence, and fostering self-sufficiency.