VALPOI
A sudden change in weather conditions has adversely affected cashew plantations in Sattari, leading to a negative impact on cashew production and significant losses to cashew cultivators.
Farmers are now demanding that the State government increase the price of cashew and provide a minimum support price of Rs 250 per kilo, else they fear that their economic stability may be under threat.
Areas such as Sattari, Bicholim, Dharbandora, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona are known for extensive cashew cultivation. This year, farmers had expected a good cashew yield. However, over the past eight days, there has been a sudden change in the weather, with a sharp rise in temperatures.
Due to the intense heat, the cashew blossoms on the trees have been burnt and have fallen off. As a result, fruit formation in the coming weeks is unlikely, which will directly affect production levels, according to farmers.
Commenting on the issue, cashew farmer Pawan Rane stated that cashew growers in Goa are facing serious injustice regarding pricing and insisted that the government must urgently address this issue.
“Although the government has announced a support price scheme for cashew, it has made it mandatory for farmers to produce purchase bills from specific buyers while selling cashew,” said Rane.
“In rural areas, cashew transactions are usually done in cash. Farmers often sell their produce to buyers offering better prices and receive payment in cash, making it difficult to obtain official bills. However, the government has made it compulsory to produce bills from Goa Bagayatdar or certain large cashew buyers.”
“This rule is unfair to farmers. Due to this restriction, farmers are sometimes forced to sell their cashew to designated buyers even when they could receive a higher price elsewhere. The government must revise this rule.”
Rane further stated that cashew farmers currently receive around Rs 150-160 per kilo for raw cashew.
“In contrast, cashew kernels are sold in the market at nearly Rs 1500 per kilo. Despite such a huge difference in market value, farmers receive only a minimal price for their produce. This is injustice to farmers and the government must provide a minimum support price of Rs 250 per kilo,” said Rane.
Rane also pointed out that the cost of maintaining cashew plantations has increased significantly. “Workers hired for cleaning and maintaining cashew plantations are paid around Rs 900 per day. During the harvesting season, additional daily wage labourers are required. Due to the high labour costs and low market prices, farmers find it difficult to balance expenses and income,” explained Rane.
“In this situation, the government must seriously consider the problems faced by cashew growers, increase the price of cashew, and provide relief in the cashew selling process,” Rane added.
