MARGAO: Stating that Goan cashew farmers are highest paid farmers in the world, proprietor of Achal Industries from Mangalore Giridhar Prabhu said that excess supply of cashew nuts have directly affected the rate of the crop. He is also of the opinion that the rate of cashew nuts depends on the world market. Addressing reporters at Margao along with president of Adarsh Krishi Society Prakash Velip and director Satish Velip, Prabhu further said that Goan cashew nuts are best in the world. Refuting speculations that there are mafias working to destroy the cashew business of Goa he said, "Entire cashew operation of cashew business, especially with regards to Achal Industries which deals with the maximum business of Goan cashew is transparent and authentic. The entire production and rate of cashew business is on record,” he stated.
He further said that there were 3,000 manufacturing units with regard to cashew operating in India. But in recent times nearly 800 units have closed down their business. "In recent years Orissa is leading the cashew business as they produce a maximum of 90 thousand tonnes of cashew nuts. Goa is at the bottom with just nine thousand tonnes of production in a year. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tripura, Maharashtra are also in the business. But despite less production Goan cashew nuts have a high value in the world market,” he added. When asked about the price rate, he said that Goan farmers with regard to cashew production are paid highest in the world. "The fluctuation of the rate depends on the world market, as a large number of cashew nuts are supplied to India from countries like Africa and Brazil,” he further added. It may be recalled that recently former Agriculture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar had alleged that there are mafias working in the cashew nuts business in Goa and hence the farmers are deprived of the deserved rate. "Cashew production is seasonal and Goan cashew farmers are most self-discipline in the world. Goan farmers did not bulk the cashew but they wait for the cashew to a dropdown. But on the other side due to the saturation of the land, Goa is unable to produce maximum production,” said Giridhar. He also said that cashew manufacturing unit in Goa is the need of the hour. "If Goa government takes initiative, then Achal Industries will take interest to set up a manufacturing unit in Goa,” he added. According to him if the government of Goa comes out with proper policy with regard to cashew cultivation than it will benefit a lot to farmers.