Srikakulam: Traders exploit cashew farmers by offering low price

Srikakulam: Traders are exploiting cashew farmers by quoting low price for raw cashew nuts in the district. Cashew is being cultivated in Itchapuram, Kaviti, Kanchili, Sompeta, Mandasa, Palasa, Vajrapukotturu, Nandigam, Tekkali, Kotturu, Pathapatnam and Meliaputti mandals in an extent of 2.50 lakh acres.

Medium and mini cashew processing units are located at Mandasa, Palasa, Meliaputti, Kotturu and other mandals in the district. A total of 250 medium processing units are situated in the district and more than 422 mini units are being maintained across the district. In these processing units, raw cashew nuts are processed and prepared cashew ready to consume. These processing units are being maintained by traders and they are procuring raw nuts from the farmers.

Farmers are demanding Rs 16,000 for 80 kgs raw nuts bag. Price for 80 kg raw cashew nuts bag was Rs 14,000 in 2018 but it was reduced to Rs 9,000 last year and this year it went down to Rs.8,000 and alleged reason for drastic fall of cashew price is forming as syndicate and quoting low price.

Farmers are protesting against traders’ attitude and demanded Rs 16,000 for per 80 kg raw cashew nuts bag. Farmers are observing agitations under the aegis of CPM, Opposition TDP, and Left parties affiliated farmers associations.

“For cultivation of cashew in an acre Rs 25,000 is invested and expected yield is three bags each 80 kg quantity with the prevailing price farmers are unable to earn even investment.” said cashew farmers association convener, T Ajay Kumar.