<p></p><p>LDF government is keen on protecting the cashew industry and ensuring worker benefits, said Minister for Cashew Industry J. Mercykutty Amma here on Tuesday. Inaugurating the gratuity distribution at Kerala State Cashew Development Development Corporation's factory in Kannanalloor, the Minister explained the steps taken by the government to keep the industry afloat.</p> <p>Over 5,000 labourers working in 30 factories run by the corporation received their long-pending gratuity arrears for the years 2011 and 2012 on Tuesday. “Earlier, the PF and gratuity of the labourers were not disbursed on time. After the LDF government came to power, Rs. 16.5 crore was sanctioned for the purpose and the gratuity for 2013 will be distributed this year itself,” she said. </p><p>The Minister urged cashew labourers to help flood victims by contributing to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. </p><p>The Minister launched Suphalam, KSCDC’s organic vegetable farming project, implemented with the support of Kerala State Agency for the Expansion of Cashew Cultivation, Horticorp, Agriculture Department and Haritha Mission. Vegetables will be cultivated along with cashew plants as an intermediary crop in 50 acres of land, split into 200 plots of 20 cents. </p><p> “This year 5 lakh cashew saplings will be distributed and the corporation will also start grow bag manufacturing,” said KSCDC chairman S. Jayamohan, who presided over the function.<br></p><p></p>