<p>Minister for Fisheries and Cashew Industry J. Mercykutty has said that certain vested interests are keen that the factories of the public sector Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) should never reopen. “But the government is taking steps to reopen all KSCDC factories before Onam.” <br></p> <p>Talking to media persons here on Sunday she said that for this purpose the KSCDC had invited two tenders for the procurement of raw cashew nuts for its factories. <br></p> <p>Tenders</p> <p>One of the tenders will be opened on Monday and the other on July 16. At the same time, the KSCDC faces a situation in which no one comes forward to participate in the tender. This happens because there has been some erosion in the KSCDC’s credibility. Measures are being taken to correct the situation. The Minister said the cashew sector had received priority in the State Budget presented by Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac. <br></p> <p>Budget allocation</p> <p>Apart from `.75 crore for the KSCDC and `.25 crore for the cooperative sector Kerala State Cashew Workers Apex Industrial Cooperative Society, another `.100 crore had been allocated for the modernisation of factories under both these organisations, she said. <br></p> <p>Such moves were part of the LDF government’s commitment towards protecting the cashew industry.<br></p>