Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader on Saturday, said cashew fair is an important programme to make people aware of the importance of cashew crop that had been an important commercial crop in the coastal region.

Speaking after releasing the poster of the Cashew Mela to be organised by the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation and the Karnataka Forest Department on May 17 and 18 here, Mr. Khader said the cashew industry was supporting many families in the coastal areas.

Due to poor yield of local varieties, raw cashews are being imported from Africa to factories in the region and processed cashew products are being exported. In this context, it is commendable that the Cashew Mela by the Corporation is being organised to create awareness among the people and farmers about the cultivation of high-yielding cashew saplings and benefits for high productivity and good profits in the long run.

Corporation chairperson Mamata Gatti said the State-level Cashew Mela and workshop will be held at Kadri Park in the city in collaboration. The aim is to create awareness among the general public and farmers about cashew cultivation benefits and long-term profitability. Free entry to people is arranged with the aim that farmers should go home with new knowledge, improved seedlings and market confidence.

The Mela would provide information and have sessions on the uses of cashew seeds and fruits; practices of cashew cultivation; exhibition of different types of cashew saplings; workshop on cashew processing and value addition; current situation of cashew production, etc. Besides felicitating progressive farmers, the event would have a buyers-sellers conference.

Conservator of Forests and Managing Director of the Corporation Kamala Karikalan said that the Corporation has plans to grow a cashew tree in every household. Chief conservator of Forests V. Karikalan, deputy conservator of Forests C. Ravishankar and others were present.