Mangaluru: Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation (KCDC) chairperson Mamatha Gatti expressed concern over the import of cashewnuts from other countries. During an interaction organised by the Ullal Press Club on Tuesday, Gatti mentioned the need for planting more cashew saplings in vacant areas to increase production.
“Though there are a large number of cashew factories in the state, cashewnuts are still being imported from foreign countries. KCDC will launch a scheme to supply cashew saplings to every household,” she said. Gatti assured that farmers would never incur a loss by cultivating cashew, as it is a commercial crop. Cashew saplings are available at the KCDC research centre in Ullal and nurseries in Padil, Kerebail, and Moodbidri. She said that there are 18 varieties of cashew saplings available.
Mamatha Gatti stated that the corporation had earned a net profit of Rs 4.5 crore in the previous financial year. In response to a query about the possibilities of commencing production of cashew feni (liquor) using the cashew apple, Gatti said the proposal would have to be discussed with the government.
