<p>With the objective of promoting cashew cultivation in the region, the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation (KCDC) on Sunday has launched a cashew saplings plantation drive at Yerethittu in the taluk.In association with the Directorate of Cashew Nut-Cocoa Development (DCCD) of Kochi, the KCDC has planned to nurture a large number of saplings at Yerethittu near Hulivana.Vinay Luthra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), People’s Education Trust president H.D. Chowdaiah and others inaugurated the drive at the proposed cashew farm at Yerethittu.Mr. Luthra stressed on the need to promote domestic cultivation of cashew as it is a commercial crop and sustains in diverse climatic conditions. He urged the farmers to adopt cashew as an alternative crop.As part of the drive, the Forest Department plans to plant a large number of saplings at the farm as well as in other places.Students studying agriculture planted several saplings on the occasion. Mandya Deputy Commissioner M.N. Ajay Nagabhushan, Joint Director of Agriculture M.N. Rajasulochana, the former MP G. Madegowda, officials of KCDC and DCCD, members of Mandya District Agricultural Graduates’ Association, and officials of various departments were present.<br></p>