Govt to set up Rs 7.5 cr cashew R&D unit in Kerala

The central government has decided to set up a cashew research and development unit in Kollam district, Kerala entailing an investment of Rs 7.5 crore, said Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. The unit would begin operations by June 2007.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI), Kaju India 2006, Jairam Ramesh called for the promotion of a Made in India brand for cashews. He said he would consider the representations made by the CEPCI in this regard.

India's cashew exports currently constitute only 0.6 per cent of the total exports from the country. The sector, however, is a leading job generator employing around 1.5 million people, majority of them being women from the weaker sections of the society.