<p></p><p>Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association (KCMA) will organise “Kaju summit,” a national convention on cashews and “Cashew tech,” a machinery exhibition as a part of KCMA’s diamond jubilee celebrations at T M A Pai Convention Centre here on March 14 and March 15. <br></p> <p>Briefing reporters, on Wednesday, Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee Chairman Walter D’Souza said KCMA (formerly known as Mangalore Cashew Manufacturers’ Association (MCMA)) has grown from an aggregate of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow">`</a> 50 crore business to over ` 2,000 crore per annum in the last three decades. <br></p> <p>“From seven cashew processors, all based in Mangaluru, in 1955 to over 400 cashew processors in nine districts of Karnataka at present, the industry has given direct employment to over 50,000 people, 95 per cent of whom are women belonging to the weaker section of the society, and indirect employment to over 1,25,000 people and the numbers are growing,” he said. <br></p> <p>On the other hand, in terms of export earnings to the national exchequer, the industry has registered a quantum jump from about ` 30 crores to over ` 800 crores per annum in the last three decades, he informed.<br></p><h1>M’luru has 3 pc share</h1> <p>Giving details about the growth story of the cashew industry, KCMA former president Giridhar Prabhu said present production of cashew in Karnataka is 40,000 ton per annum (national production 5,00,000 ton) and Mangaluru accounts for three per cent in the national production. “KCMAhas a vision to increase the cashew production to 25 lakh ton per annum by 2030 and export earnings from the present ` 800 crore to ` 8,000 crore by 2040,” he said. <br></p> <p>Citing the example of Vietnam which registered ` 12,000 crore business through export in 2014 from “zero” in 2002, Prabhu said it is not a difficult task for India if the farmers in India take the same interest they show towards arecanut or paddy. “The only requirement is raw cashew and people’s will,” he said cited another example of Mozambique where the residents have to sell five kg raw cashews to buy one kg rice, whereas in India, one has to sell five kg rice to buy one kg cashew. <br></p> <p>Grand celebrations <br></p> <p>Giving details about the two-day celebrations, Walter D’Souza said on day 1 (March 14), experts from all over India will present technical papers on various aspects of the industry, that is, production, processing, promotion, marketing and automation among other aspects.</p><p>On March 15, the KCMA will launch the diamond jubilee year and unfold all its plans and projects. Stating that a cashew festival will be organised for the members of the public, D’Souza said that various competitions for children, house-wives and college students too will be organised. In addition, a recipe contest for home makers and hotel management colleges will be an added attraction. <br></p> <p>He also said that all varieties of cashews and other products will be made available to the public at an attractive diamond jubilee discount. <br></p> <p>Souvenir release <br></p> <p>Earlier, NMPTChairman PCParida released the diamond jubilee celebrations invitation and called upon the KCMAmembers to find out the ways and means to retain the market in the present competitive world. Stressing the need to educate people on the benefits of cashew, he said that if proper steps are taken Karnataka can be made “Cashew state of India.” KCMAPresident BRahul Kamath, Diamond Jubilee Committee Hon Chairman BRamanath Kamath and Promotion Convenor Kalbavi Prakash Rao among others were present.<br></p><p></p>