<p>With the support from Maharashtra State industry department, CSIR-CFTRI organized a 3-day workshop during Sep 6-9 under a framework of Cluster Development & Farmers-centric Workshopsin the Institute.Maharashtra is one of the major States in the country in producing cashew crop by cultivating in 1.81 lakh hectare. Currently around one lakh farmers are involved in the production, processing and marketing of cashewnut in the Konkan region. Majority of these are marginal farmers and they are supplying raw cashewnut to market. Middlemen exploit them with meagre value realization for their produce. However, demand forcashewnut is on the rise and the country has realized Rs. 5600crore worth export of cashewnut and allied products in the last year. Considering the growing demand for the quality and variety of cashew products in the market, the farmers and young entrepreneurs of cashewnutfarming community has shown great interest in enhancing the unit value realization.</p> <p>The workshop focused mainly on value added products from the cashewnuts, packaging requirements, cashew apple juice, regulatory and safety issues. Series of similar kind of cluster development programs are lined up already to empower the farmers and producer companies. Horticulture departments of the various state governments are also in touch with CFTRI for organizing customized farmers-centric training programs for shorter durations. The Institute has already geared up to meet the demands on a continual basis.</p>