MARGAO
Quepem-based Adarsh Krishi Kharedi Vikri Sahakari Saunstha, which has made strides in the procurement of cashew nuts over the years, has now decided to make forays in the purchase of cashew feni distilled by the farmers.
Society Chairman Prakash Shankar Velip has further called for restrictions on the import of cashew nuts into the state from other parts of the country and abroad in order to provide attractive rates for the cashew farmers.
With cashew feni classified as a heritage spirit in the state by the government, the Society has decided to procure cashew feni from the coming season. “Our society used to procure the cashew nuts from the farmers all these years at attractive rates. Since the government has given feni the status of a state drink, the society has now decided to procure feni distilled by the farmers “, he said.
Addressing the media, Prakash said the government should come out with measures to restrict the import of cashew nuts into the state. “This needs to be done in order to give attractive rates for the local farmers and also ensure that the Goan cashew nut gets its due”, he said.
He added: “Adarsh Society is the highest rate payer to the cashew farmers in the whole world. The organic cashew project is well managed and it stands no one project for its best management and most transparent services”, he added.
Saying that farmers should get an ideal Rs 140-150 rate per kg of cashew nuts in the market, Prakash said the imported cashew nut is brought into the state at Rs 90 per kg. “The government must set up a mechanism to restrict the import of cashew nut to protect the local production and protect the interest of the farmers”, he added.
Saying that 90 per cent of cashew production in the state has gone organic, he said around 3855 farmers are members of organic cashew cultivation spread across 94 villages. “We have paid an amount of Rs 17.84 corre to organic members above market price from last 26 years. The total area of organic cashew stands at 8364 hectares, with around 24,25,221 trees”, he added.
To a question, Prakash Velip, who is the leader of United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) said the tribal leaders have already told Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to drop the Bhumiputra title from the controversial Bill.
