The Hindu Business Line : Positive health reports on cashew boost exports

GROWING awareness about the health benefits of cashew kernels has led to rise in its exports during April-December 2004 to 92,786 tonnes valued at Rs 1,942.32 crore from 72,039 tonnes worth Rs 1,287.95 crore during the corresponding period last year.

The export of cashew nut shell liquid has also increased. As against 5,726 tonnes valued at Rs 5.87 crore in April-December 2003, the exports in the corresponding period this year stood at 7,427 tonnes worth Rs 7.78 crore.

The increase in exports could be attributed mainly to the growing awareness among the consumers in the major markets such as the US about the health benefits of cashew kernels, Mr K. Sasi Varma, Secretary, Cashew Export Promotion Council of India told Business Line on Monday.

Last year the consumption of nuts in the US was at its highest at 225 - 230 million pounds.

"Many attribute this increase to the health reports published advising consumers that cashews may reduce the risk of heart disease by 30 per cent," he said.

Add to this the parity in the price of cashew kernels with that of other popular tree nuts such as almond had also played a positive role in raising the demand, he said.

However in India, the non-availability of adequate quantity of raw nuts led to rise in imports. During April-December 2004, 4,72,872 tonnes of raw nuts, valued at Rs 1,722.54 crore, were imported as against 3,57,739 tonnes, worth Rs 1,087 crores during the same period a year ago.

In dollar terms, if the earnings from exports stood at $428.40 million (Rs 1,873 crore), the outgo toward import of raw nuts was $379.92 million (Rs 1,661 crore

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Satnam net rises 43 pc

`Tap domestic market potential for organic products'

Mussel power

Rubber declines as dealers cut stocks

Water levels drop marginally at major reservoirs in Kerala

Comprehensive policy on oilseeds soon: Pawar

Positive health reports on cashew boost exports