NT Reporter
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced that the state government will soon constitute a cashew development board to strengthen the cashew sector and support farmers.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the fourth edition of the three-day Goa Cashew Fest at Campal organised by Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), Sawant said the proposed board will function in coordination with the Agriculture Department and GFDC.
The initiative aims to streamline policies, boost production, and enhance value addition in the cashew industry.
Highlighting the importance of the sector, the Chief Minister said nearly 30,000 families depend on the sector for their livelihood.
“Cashew is not just a crop but the backbone of the rural economy,” he reckoned, adding that it plays a crucial role in the state’s vision of a self-reliant Goa under the Swayampurna
initiative.
The government has consistently focused on promoting innovation, technology, and research in the sector to improve productivity and quality, the Chief Minister said, stressing the need to encourage organic cultivation practices to enhance the global appeal of state’s cashew produce.
Emphasising brand protection, Sawant said that only authentic Goa cashew products should be sold under the state’s name.
He urged commercial establishments to refrain from selling cashew imported from African countries or other Indian states under the Goa label, warning that strict steps may be taken to prevent such malpractices.
Union minister Shripad Naik said Goa’s cashew sector has been witnessing steady growth through a balanced integration of modern technology, value addition, and traditional practices.
“The strength of Goa’s cashew industry lies in its ability to combine age-old practices with modern advancements,” he said.
The Union minister also underscored the importance of value addition, stating that diversification into products such as packaged kernels, cashew-based snacks, and Feni has opened new avenues for farmers and entrepreneurs.
This, he said, has contributed to better income generation and employment opportunities in rural areas.
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade said the sector is emerging as a good example of women empowerment in Goa, noting that women, especially those belonging to self-help groups, are playing a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy.
He emphasised that initiatives supporting skill development, value addition, and small-scale enterprises have enabled more women to actively engage in the industry.
GDFC chairperson Deviya Rane said “When I took charge as Chairperson of GFDC, my mission was to ensure that every hand behind Goa’s cashew ecosystem—from farmers and bidders to feni distillers and processors—is recognised and rewarded. Today, with our focused efforts and the strength of the GI tag, Goan cashew and feni are proudly finding their place on the global stage, reflecting the true value of our heritage”
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, chairman of Goa Tourism Development Corporation Kedar Naik also spoke on the occasion.
