Cashew processors in Orissa demand govt support

Local MLA urged the minister to provide support to the cashew processing units, which were damaged in the cyclone Phailin last year

Regretting lack of support from the government, cashew processors in Odisha have sought quick steps for export of their products.

"Government should provide all support to enter into the export market like oversea buyer arrangements, port and container facilities and financial support to entrepreneurs to compete with exporters of the other states," President of Odisha Cashew Processors Association (OCPA), Rajendra Sabat said here.

"Odisha stands as the third largest state in the country in cashew cultivation, production and processing, but we are unable to export a single kilogram to other countries," he said.

"Ironically, the cashew processors from states like Kerala and Karnataka are exporting the products of our state and getting huge profits.

"If we export at least 50 per cent of the present products, we'll be able to earn around Rs 500 crore every year," added Sabat.

"Due to lack of supporting policy of the government, we procure raw cashew from other neighbouring states like West Bengal and also from West African countries to run the units," said president OCPA.

The demand for government support by OCPA officials was emphasised at a workshop on 'Awareness programme on Quality Technology Tool (QTT) and Quality Management Standard (QMS) of Ganjam cashew cluster in food processing' here.

Organised by the Odisha Young Entrepreneurs Association (OYEA), the workshop was inaugurated by the state's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Minister Jogendra Behera.

"The government will look into the matter and try its best to develop the cashew sector in the state," Behera said at the occasion.

Local MLA R Ch Chyaupatnaik urged the minister to provide financial support to the cashew processing units, particularly those in Ganjam district which were damaged in the cyclone Phailin in October last year.