Karnataka should expand cashew cultivation as it is heavily imported from other countries: Expert

New Delhi, Dec 22 (KNN) There is a dire need for Karnataka to expand cashew cultivation in the State, at a time when the cashew processing industry is heavily dependent on imported raw nuts from African countries, said Prakash Kalbavi, former President of Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association, and a cashew exporter from Mangaluru.

He said this during a meet in Mangaluru.

He said Karnataka grows around 70,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts a year and processes 2,50,000 tonnes.

To meet the requirements of processing industry in the State, the sector is heavily dependent on imported raw nuts, he added.

Stating that there is a need to scale up raw cashew production, Kalbavi said the State has to take appropriate initiative if it has to grow.

Commenting on India’s cashew exports, he said the annual domestic consumption is growing at a rate of 7-8 per cent.

He added that there is no surplus to export.

At present, the country processes around 1.7 million tonnes of cashew a year, Kalbavi said.

The meet was organised by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in association with Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).