Kerala - Kollam   

Wage panel for cashew industry demanded

Staff Reporter

Steps sought to overcome crisis

KOLLAM: The Cashew Manufacturers and Exporters Association has said that the cashew industry in the State is in a crisis and that steps should be taken to overcome it.

At a press conference here on Thursday, Association president Baldwin Austin and general secretary A. Abdul Salam said that under such a situation, the Government should not take a unilateral decision on minimum wages for the cashew sector.

The association suggested that a wage committee be constituted to conduct a detailed study on wage-related aspects. A decision should be taken only on the basis of the study.

Monopoly lost

They said that Kerala had already lost its monopoly in cashew kernel production. Out of 8 lakh tonnes of kernel produced in the country, Kerala accounts for only one lakh tonnes. Moreover, several countries have started processing cashew.

The industry based in Kerala is finding it difficult to compete in the international market. The main reason is that production cost is the highest in the State. If the average processing cost is Rs.400 to Rs.550 for an 80 kg raw nut bag, in Kerala it touches Rs.950.

If the situation continues, it will result in the closure of cashew factories in the State. The antagonistic attitude adopted by political parties and trade unions towards the cashew processors also contributes to the crisis, they said.

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