Retheesh, K A; Dr.Rajasenan,D(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 28, 2005)
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Abstract:
India is the largest producer and processor of cashew in the
world. The export value of cashew is about Rupees 2600 crore during
2004-05. Kerala is the main processing and exporting center of
cashew. In Kerala most of the cashew processing factories are located
in Kollam district. The industry provides livelihood for about 6-7
lakhs of employees and farmers, the cashew industry has national
importance. In Kollam district alone there are more than 2.5 lakhs
employees directly involved in the industry, which comes about 10
per cent of the population of the district, out of which 95 per cent are
women workers. It is a fact that any amount received by a woman
worker will be utilized directly for the benefit of the family and hence
the link relating to family welfare is quite clear. Even though the
Government of Kerala has incorporated the Kerala State Cashew
Development Corporation (KSCDC) and Kerala State Cashew Workers
Apex Industrial Co—operative Society (CAPEX) to develop the Cashew
industry, the cashew industry and ancillary industries did not grow
as per the expectation. In this context, an attempt has been made to
analyze the problems and potential of the industry so as to make the
industry viable and sustainable for the perpetual employment and
income generation as well as the overall development of the Kollam
district.
Description:
School of Applied Economics, Cochin
University of Science and Technology