Mangaluru: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader said that the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation (KCDC) and the Forest Department will jointly organise a two-day cashew fest and workshop on value-added products from cashew and cashew apple at Kadri Park on May 17 and 18.

Speaking after releasing the poster for the event in Mangaluru, the Speaker stressed the need to create greater awareness about cashew cultivation in Dakshina Kannada district, where he said the sector has gradually lost attention despite its economic importance.

Need to revive awareness on cashew cultivation

U T Khader said cashew cultivation once formed an integral part of life in coastal Karnataka and that younger generations in urban areas were now missing out on experiences once common in villages.

“In the past, children had the privilege of savouring cashew apples, which children in cities today miss,” he said while highlighting the cultural and agricultural significance of cashew cultivation in the district.

The Speaker said the idea for organising a large-scale cashew fest emerged after he attended the Cashew Field Day programme at the Ullal Cashew Research Station. Following the visit, he had directed Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation chairperson Mamatha D S Gatti to organise an event that would benefit farmers and create public awareness.

He added that the fest is now being organised with the support of the Forest Department and that the state government has released Rs 25 lakh to support cashew cultivation initiatives.

Forest minister to inaugurate event

According to organisers, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre will inaugurate the two-day festival.

The event is expected to bring together farmers, researchers, industry representatives, self-help groups and members of the public to promote the cultivation and commercial potential of cashew and cashew apple products.

Khader noted that the cashew industry has played a major role in the economy of Dakshina Kannada district by generating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses for decades.

“There is a good international market for cashew nuts. Due to the shortage of raw materials, India imports raw cashew kernels from foreign countries, processes them and then exports them,” he said.

He further suggested that the Corporation should encourage cultivation of cashew plants in every household across the district to strengthen local production.

Workshop on value-added products

Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation managing director Kamala Karikalan said the festival would focus not only on cultivation but also on value addition and entrepreneurship opportunities linked to cashew products.

She said cashew saplings would be distributed free of cost to 1,000 people during the programme in an effort to encourage cultivation.

Farmers will also be educated about different varieties of cashew plants, including high-yielding varieties such as Ullal-1, Ullal-3 and Bhaskara.

The workshop sessions will include demonstrations and awareness programmes on preparing value-added products from cashew apples, including juice, jam, jelly, candy and carbonated drinks.

Officials said the initiative aims to help farmers and self-help groups explore additional sources of income through processing and value addition.

Industry stakeholders to attend B2B session

As part of the event, a business-to-business interaction session will also be organised involving stakeholders from the cashew industry.

Representatives from the Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association and the All India Cashew Industry Association are expected to participate in discussions related to marketing opportunities and challenges faced by the industry.

Kamala Karikalan said Dakshina Kannada exports nearly 15,000 tonnes of cashew nuts every year, underlining the district’s importance in the sector.

“There is huge demand for cashew nuts, and industries are unable to meet it through domestic production alone,” she said.

She added that members of self-help groups would also receive training in preparing value-added products, enabling them to generate additional income through small-scale enterprises.

Competitions for children also planned

KCDC chairperson Mamatha D S Gatti said several competitions would also be organised for children during the two-day festival.

Drawing, essay writing and elocution competitions are expected to be conducted as part of efforts to engage younger generations and create awareness about agriculture and cashew cultivation.

Additionally, 10 progressive farmers will be felicitated during the fest in recognition of their contributions to the sector.

Organisers said the event is expected to serve as a platform to revive interest in cashew farming while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural practices in coastal Karnataka.