<p></p><p>The north-east monsoon has been active enough to raise horticultural crops in general and cash crops in particular in the district. Farmers should raise cashew saplings before November, said R. P. Gnanamalar, Professor and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Vamban.Speaking after inaugurating a massive planting programme to promote cashew cultivation in the district on Friday, she said that ‘VRI-3’, developed by Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, was most suited for the soil condition of the district.She pointed out that the scope for expanding the area under cashew cultivation in the district was wide and about 10,500 hectares had been brought under the crop so far, with Alangudi, Gandarvakottai and Maramadakki.She advised the farmers to go in for VRI- 3 and VRI (CH) 1 varieties so as to realise higher yield and returns. <br></p> <p>K. Dhanalakshmi, a faculty member, said that the kernel and cashew nut were of high quality in these varieties. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra would ensure a close follow-up on the cultivation techniques. An interaction with farmers would be held periodically so as to exchange their views and experience.<br></p><p></p>