Stakeholders’ meet on Cashew development held at ICAR-CCARI, Goa

 

Goa, January 28, 2025: A national-level stakeholders’ meeting on cashew development was organized by the Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development (DCCD), Kochi, at the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa. The meeting aimed to formulate a comprehensive action plan for the sustainable growth of the cashew sector in India.

     Dr. N.K. Patle, Additional Commissioner of Horticulture, Government of India, chaired the meeting and served as the Chief Guest. Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR-CCARI, Goa, was also present as the Guest of Honour. The event saw the participation of several eminent officials, including Shri Kumaravel Pandian IAS, Director of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Government of Tamil Nadu; Shri Sunil Mahindrakar IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra State Horticulture and Medicinal Plant Board, Government of Maharashtra; and Shri Thomas Samuel, Mission Director, State Horticulture Mission, Government of Kerala. Senior officials from state departments and scientists from SAUs from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Goa also contributed valuable insights.

     Dr. Femina, Director, DCCD, presented the Government of India’s initiatives for cashew development. State-specific presentations highlighted the current status, challenges, and opportunities for cashew cultivation in their respective regions. Notable contributions included discussions on research advancements, High Density Planting and scientific Pest Management startegy by Dr. D. Balasubramanian, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur, and the role of corporations in implementing replanting programs by representatives from OSCDC and GFDC.

     The meeting concluded with key recommendations aimed at enhancing the cashew sector. It was emphasized that potential areas for normal and high-density planting should be identified across both traditional and non-traditional regions. Crop and varietal suitability should be determined for area expansion programs, and state-level agencies, FPOs, and NGOs should be identified for program implementation. Replanting efforts should focus strictly on replacing senile plantations, avoiding rejuvenation, and establishing region-specific mother gardens with high-yielding varieties. Existing DCCD-accredited nurseries should be strengthened, and new nurseries should be established to produce superior planting materials. Demonstration units showcasing advanced technologies, such as high-density planting, pruning techniques, and pest management, should be developed to enhance productivity. Furthermore, scientific guidelines, training manuals, and mobile applications should be prepared in local languages to ensure easy accessibility, and awareness programs on advanced technologies should be conducted as part of promotional and developmental activities.

     The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, ICAR-CCARI, Goa. The collaborative efforts and actionable insights from this meeting are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the development of India’s cashew sector.