<p>As part of the moves to improve its share in the markets across the State, the public-sector Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) will open 100 retail outlets for its cashew kernels and other value-added products. KSCDC Chairman S. Jayamohan said that the outlets would be opened before Onam.</p> <p><strong>Franchises</strong></p> <p>Under the first phase of the plan outlets through franchises have been opened at Muvattupuzha, Munnar, Kottarakara, Bharanikavu, Ayur and Vallikunnam.Steps have also been taken to sell KSCDC products through the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation channels and Kerala Police canteens.</p> <p><strong>Quality check</strong></p> <p>Mr. Jayamohan said that expansion of the kernel markets in the State will provide a strong resistance to the intrusion of cheap quality kernels in the Kerala markets.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Value-added products</strong></p> <p>Apart from kernels the value-added products of KSCDC include cashew vita, cashew powder, cashew soup, cashew bits, choco kaju, and milky kaju. Parallel steps are also being taken to tap the international markets for cashew kernels.Mr. Jayamohan said that in this connection four container loads of kernels would be exported to Dubai and Japan.</p>