GOMANTAK TIMES: Mormugao Port receives first import of raw cashew nuts...

Should Goa be *importing* cashew nuts? It's happening... What about the official claims that agriculture and horticulture is doing well in the state? FN

GOMANTAK TIMES: Mormugao Port receives first import of raw cashew nuts...

GTNEWSROOM [Dec 31, 2005 GT]

The Mormugao Port has received the first ever import cargo of raw cashew nuts from Indonesia for Ajanta Industries, Ponda and Sunrise Cashew Industries, Valpoi.

Import of raw cashew nuts into Mormugao was hitherto not possible. The GCMA has taken the initiatives for the direct import of raw cashews into Goa, for the benefit of the processors, so that we don't have to shut down for want of raw material.

There is a lot of support given by the Development Commissioner of Goa, J K Dadoo, Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industries, and the Chief Commissioner of Customs Sunil Kumar Sawhney.

The cashew crop in Goa has not increased much in the last 15-20 years. The yield per tree has not improved. No serious attempts are made by the government to increase the production in the state.

Unlike any other agricultural produce, the cashew producers in India, and more particularly, in Goa, always got premium prices.

The Goa Cashew Manufacturers Association has taken the initiatives for the direct import of raw cashew into Mormugao for the benefit of the processors, so that we don't have to shut down for want of raw material.

The Government of Goa has recently come up with the Horticulture Plan 2005-06, wherein various supportive measures and incentives are offered to raw cashew farming community, to increase the production per acre and to go in for organic farming.

The producers are offered Rs 10,000 per hectare, for conversion of their farm into organic and get certified by the international certifying agencies. (ENDS)