Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Eshwar Khandre said here on Sunday that the government will invest ₹1 crore for raising and distributing grafted cashew saplings for farmers through the forest department and Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation (KCDC).

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a two-day cashew mela organised by the KCDC at Kadri Park, the Minister said that after the endosulfan spray in cashew plantations created havoc decades ago, many farmers turned away from cultivating cashew. Cashew manufacturers are importing cashew nuts to meet the processing demand, as domestic production is low. There is ample opportunity to grow cashew in the coastal and Malnad belts. To make the State self-reliant in cashew production, the government will make every effort to boost cultivation. As a step in this regard, grafted cashew saplings will be grown in the nurseries of the Forest Department and KCDC from this year itself, with an investment of ₹1 crore. The saplings will be distributed to farmers from next year at subsidised rate.

Mr. Khandre noted that the value addition of cashew nuts and cashew apples should increase. There is also a need to bring down production costs and increase production at the same time.

Referring to global warming and climate change, the Minister said that every individual has a responsibility to increase green cover and conserve nature.

Twelve progressive cashew growers were felicitated on the occasion. D. Vedavyasa Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru City South, who is also a cashew processor, said that domestic cashew production meets the processing needs of industries for about one-and-a-half months. Cashew manufacturers import nuts to meet the processing needs for the remaining months.

Wild mangoes

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar Rai, MLA, Puttur, appealed to the Minister to issue an order prohibiting the harvesting of wild mangoes from trees along roadsides and on government property. The government should stop the system of auctioning the harvesting of wild mangoes from roadside trees and government properties, as those who harvest them damage the trees. The wild mangoes should be left for the consumption of birds, animals, and humans, he said.

The MLA said the government should plant wild mango saplings and saplings of fruit-bearing trees along the roadside.

Mamatha Gatti, chairperson, KCDC also spoke.