<p>A research and development (R&D) centre for technology upgrade of cashew processing equipment was inaugurated at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of SMV Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM) at Bantakal in Udupi district on Monday.<br></p> <p>According to a press release issued by the institute on Tuesday, the facilities at the R&D centre have been provided by the Karnataka Council for Technological Upgradation (KCTU), Government of Karnataka.<br></p> <p>Importance</p> <p>Inaugurating the centre, KCTU managing director Anil A. Uppin emphasised the importance of research and development in the field of agriculture. He lauded SMVITM for being the first functional R&D centre of the 16-sponsored projects by KCTU.<br></p> <p>The R&D team at the Centre should have regular interaction with entrepreneurs of the cashew industry in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. This will help them understand the problems of the industry and act accordingly. The KCTU will extend all support in the future projects of the R&D centre, Mr. Uppin said.<br></p> <p>Chief guest P. Ramdas, managing director of Ace Manufacturing Systems, Bengaluru, emphasised the need for focus on excellence and passion for one’s chosen field.<br></p> <p>Bola Rahul Kamath, president of the Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association, urged students to take up R&D projects that would help the industry.<br></p>