LOCKDOWN AFFECTS OPERATIONS Cashew nut industry farmers bear loss

NT NETWORK VALPOI

Closure of processing units and retail markets has resulted in crashing of prices of cashew nuts affecting the farmers largely in Sattari taluka.
As per the survey conducted in parts of Sattari including Koppardem, Pali, Dhave which are the major suppliers of cashew nuts it is learnt that the business has badly affected the farmers, they are just waiting for restoration of price of their harvested cashew nuts.

“This is the peak harvesting season for cashew nut industry and we are unable to carry out the operations due to shortage of farm labour. There is a greater danger for the fallen nuts as these nuts may get spoiled if unseasonal rains hit this area,” said a lady from Mauxi village whose business is affected by lockdown.

Currently, the raw nut prices (ex-farmgate) have crashed to 45 pre cent to touch Rs 60-70 per kg from Rs 132 per kg due to national lockdown. There is no demand outside country, but the local market is closed and farmers are unable to move their harvested nuts to the processing units due to restriction on movement of vehicles.

Some of the progressive farmers in Sattari said that it is very challenging situation as there are no buyers who can offer good price for the cashew nuts. “We have to bear huge loss if things do not improve. Earlier, we use to sell our cashew nuts to Goa Bagyatdar but due to lockdown they have not placed order from us and the price offered by the local agents are not affordable,” said a farmer from Dhave Sattari.

When contacted one of leading buyer who owns factory in Valpoi said that price expected by the farmers are not affordable for them as far as the current situation is considered. “There is a sharp fall in demand internationally considering the pandemic scare and after considering the prevailing scenario, I have decided for 30 percent drop in buying the cashew nuts from the farmers,” he disclosed.

In Sattari around 10 factories procure locally grown cashew nuts and even buyers from other parts of state also come to Valpoi every season. “There is a huge demand for cashew nuts from Sattari, unfortunately this season we farmers will be at receiving end due to lockdown. Prices have crashed down so badly and there are only few buyers who offer Rs60 to Rs70 per kg which is unprofitable,” said Narayan Gaonkar from Sattari.
Cashew nut being not listed under essential commodities, the transportation and selling outlets is banned during lockdown. Though, distilleries are set up, but due to non-availability of daily wages skilled workers now, there is adverse impact on the production of juice from cashew apple. “We cannot supply this to the buyers since liquor industry is closed down. Neither cashew apple nor cashew nuts are sold. What is more worrisome is the repayment of loan which we took for harvesting the crop this season,” told an elderly person who is working on the distillery erected at the outskirt of the village.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant’s announcement on that Goa Bagayatdar will procure cashew of farmers from Thursday, brought relief for these affected farmers.

However, one of the director from Sattari, Ashok Joshi when contacted over the phone, said that he is not aware of the announcement but Goa Bagyatdar Kharedi Vikri Santha have to consider all the factors including storage and retail market before buying the cashew nuts. “We procure only 10 per cent cashew nuts out of total production from Sattari whereas hardly 20 per cent is procured of the total production from all over Goa, remaining were procured by local buyers. In this situation, considering all the parameters, the board will fix new price for the cashew nuts. We will look out for all possibilities and will urge all the farmers to seek their cooperation in this challenging situation,” Joshi said. He further urged farmers to have patience and panic.
Meanwhile, some farmers fearing continuation of the lockdown have resorted to distress selling of their produce.