Bring 80% cashew under GI tag to stop fake produce: Expert

NT Reporter

Panaji

Nearly 80% of local cashew producers in the state could help curb the sale of substandard cashew in the market if they bring their produce under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, said Deepak Parab, project scientist and nodal officer (Geographical Indication) of the State Council for Science and Technology.

“Goan cashew is known for its distinct taste and superior quality, which has earned it global recognition. However, low-quality cashew imported from outside the state is increasingly being sold under the name of Goan cashew, damaging its reputation,” he said, speaking at a technical session held at Kala Academy on Friday as part of the Cashew Festival.

Calling for marketing only GI-tagged local cashew and ensuring proper branding, he said GI tagging will benefit farmers, producers and consumers alike.

“While the state government has introduced certain regulations to safeguard local cashew and related products, cooperation from producers remains crucial,” said Parab. At present, one variety
of feni and cashew produced by the Forest Development Corporation has received
GI tags.

Parab urged other local producers to come forward and avail of the certification and said efforts are underway to simplify the GI registration process and address challenges faced by stakeholders.

Entrepreneur Rohit Zantye said that the surge in domestic tourism since 2005 has led to irregularities in the cashew trade, particularly in coastal areas where counterfeit products are sold as Goan cashew. “Restricting sales to GI-certified products could be an effective solution,”
he said.

The Goa Cashew Producers Association has recommended that its members sell only GI-tagged cashew from 2026. Entrepreneur Hansel Vaz said that feni has the potential to go global, provided there is greater awareness, stronger industry collaboration and enhanced government support.

“There is a need to promote feni as the true ‘Make in India’ heritage drink through international platforms and curated global experiences,” he said.

Also present was Food and Drugs Administration official Richard Noronha and entrepreneur Keshav Prakash.