Cashew mela highlights growth potential of coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru, 

Encashing on the soaring global appetite for cashew and its expanding spectrum of value-added products, the verdant expanse of Kadri Park transformed into a vibrant celebration of Karnataka’s famed ‘golden kernel’ as the two-day Cashew Mela took off  in Mangaluru on Sunday. Organised under the aegis of the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation, the mela was inaugurated by Eshwar Khandre, highlighting the growing economic, agricultural and cultural significance of the state’s cashew sector.

Speaking after inaugurating the mela, Eshwar Khandre observed that the coastal districts possess immense potential for large-scale cashew cultivation owing to their favourable agro-climatic conditions. He announced that the government, through the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation, would undertake the development of superior-quality grafted saplings for systematic distribution among farmers.

 He added, “To strengthen the sector and enhance productivity, the State Government shall provide  a grant of ?1 crore for the production of quality grafted saplings.” Emphasising the need to reduce dependence on imports, Khandre averred  the government aims to transform Karnataka into a self-reliant hub for cashew production by significantly improving both the quality and volume of domestic output.

Referring to the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflict in the region, the Minister said a dedicated Elephant Task Force comprising 25 trained personnel has been sanctioned for Dakshina Kannada district. He noted that a series of preventive and mitigation measures are being implemented, including the installation of railway barricades, augmentation of food and water sources within forest areas for wildlife, strengthening of field staff and the establishment of a command centre.

Khandre distributed compensation cheques amounting to ?2.38 crore to five families from the Kudremukh forest region, including the Kerekatte area where two persons had lost their lives in elephant attacks a few months ago. The beneficiaries had voluntarily applied for relocation from the forest area. Emphasising trekkers’ safety, the Minister directed officials to strictly enforce the recently formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing trekking activities in forest regions.

On the occasion, Trek Passports released by the Kudremukh Wildlife Division -- featuring trekking destinations and QR-code-enabled information -- were distributed. Trek Guide Handbooks and first-aid kits were also handed over to nature guides associated with trekking activities. Mr. Khandre further flagged off a Shola Safari camper vehicle operating within the Kudremukh Wildlife Zone and released a comprehensive handbook for trekkers.

Presiding over the programme, Mangaluru City South MLA, D. Vedavyas Kamath described the Cashew Mela as a commendable initiative and urged the government to extend greater institutional support to the cashew industry. Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation Chairperson Mamatha D.S. Gatti welcomed. Among those present were Sringeri MLA Rajegowda; Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai; Ivan D'Souza, MLC;   M.A. Gafoor, chairman, Karavali Development Board;  and former Minister Ramanath Rai.

The mela features nearly 70 stalls showcasing cashew saplings, cashew kernels and a diverse range of value-added farm products. Technical sessions on both days are focusing on contemporary advancements in cashew cultivation, processing technologies, value addition and themes such as “Cashew Farming and Atma Nirbhar – 2035”.