An @ 80% drop in cashew yield owing to inclement weather conditions is expected to push feni prices up by at least 20% , a majority of the distillers in the state have not been able to commence operations due to below par yield. Cashew is extremely sensitive to weather and the unseasonal rains this year have either resulted in delayed flowering or destroyed cashew apples on multiple occasions grossly impacting yield. There is every possibility of of a majority of Excise Department conducted cashew auctions being cancelled as there is no guarantee of decent returns. The toddy industry, a major revenue earner for the state has seen a massive downturn too owing to climate change, many dependent on these two industries for their livelihoods are staring at a bleak future. Feni had been granted GI (geographical indication) tag in 2000 and is branded as the heritage spirit of Goa. The government should extend a helping hand by way of soft loans to the cashew farmers who have suffered losses, many of whom are infact mulling over switching to other weather resistant cash crops to keep their home fires burning.
