The Cashew Board has decided to procure 3,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nut (RCN) for the operations of government-run factories under Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) and Capex. The raw material will be procured from Mozambique and the consignment is expected to reach the factories of KSCDC and Capex between January 15 and 20. The factories under KSCDC are currently operational. While shelling will continue till January 5, peeling and grading works will continue till January 15. The RCN required for uninterrupted operation for three months will be delivered to the factories by January 20. “The factories are currently operating to facilitate a farewell ceremony for 185 employees who are retiring on December 31,” said the officials. It was decided to procure RCN and operate the factories as part of the government’s policy to operate public sector undertakings even in the midst of a crisis. The factories will continue to operate actively and provide employment to the workers,” said KSCDC chairman S. Jayamohan and Capex chairman M. Sivasanakara Pillai.