The Hindu Business Line : Kerala renews demand for Cashew Development Board

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has reiterated its demand to the Centre for setting up a Cashew Development Board, headquartered at Kollam, the hub of cashew industry in the country, the Minister for Labour and Cashew, Mr P K Gurudasan said in the state assembly on Tuesday.

Replying to a calling attention motion in this regard, he said that if necessary, a joint delegation comprising members from ruling and opposition parties, would meet the Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh to take up the matter.

He said a similar demand had been made during the previous UPA government and the Centre had taken 'some steps' to set up the Board. The Industry was now facing a crisis due to the global meltdown as exports to the US have come down drastically.

The price of cashew nuts in the international market has also come down. But the price of raw cashews imported mainly from African countries, have not shown any decline, he pointed out.

The industry, which employs nearly three lakh people plays a vital role in the state's economy. The Industry also earns Rs 2,500 crore in foreign exchange, he said.

The Board would rejuvenate the sector and help provide guidance to the Industry to face challenges and also meet international competition, he added. – PTI

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