Tura, Nov 24: “International Day of Cashew” was celebrated by the Incubation Centre, North-Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya along with Department of Agribusiness Management and Food Technology, NEHU Tura Campus in collaboration with APEDA (Regional Office, Guwahati).
International Day of Cashew is celebrated every year on November 23.
The celebration of the International Day of Cashew at NEHU Tura Campus was inaugurated by Professor P. S. Shukla, the Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Shillong.
Talking at the event, Dr. R. Sasikumar said that the Indian Cashew industry that provides employment to around 0.05 million people both directly and indirectly is export oriented and hence called dollar earning crop of the country.
He also highlighted that cashew cultivation and processing in Meghalaya still remains in infancy
Cultivation and Processing Status in Meghalaya
Dr. R. Sasikumar also mentioned that cashew cultivation has gained significant traction in Garo Hills. In 2005-06, the region had 6,785 hectares dedicated to cashew plantations, yielding a production of 11,207 tons. In South Garo, the cashew nut plantation covered 3,426 hectares in 2008-09, producing 3,348 metric tons with an average of 977 kg per hectare.
Despite these substantial figures, the cashew nut processing industry in West and South Garo Hills has not significantly impacted the income of growers or their overall standard of living. Recognising the potential, the role of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) becomes crucial in enhancing both domestic and international marketing opportunities for cashew nuts in the region, he added.
Cashew Nut Mela and Value-Added Product Showcase
Chief Guest, Prof. P. S. Shukla also inaugurated “Cashew Nut Mela” where several value-added products from cashew nut like, energy bar, spread, yogurt, cooky, etc…was showcased along with process flow chart of each product by Department of Food Technology students, NEHU Tura campus.
Prof. P. S. Shukla also assured that our Regional Food Testing Laboratory, NEHU Tura Campus will sign with APEDA to popularise Organic Cashew Nut from Meghalaya origin into international market.
Quality Assurance and International Market Access
He also assured that our Regional Food Testing Laboratory, NEHU Tura Campus will sign with APEDA to popularise Organic Cashew Nut from Meghalaya origin into international market.
Regarding, quality assurance,he stated that these initiatives will be role model for entire national and also enhance the livelihood standard of village people, which will be highly possible to increase the growth rate of Meghalaya from 2% (As per the RBI official information) to some extent.
The event, also attended by Professor Sujata Guru Dev (Campus Director, NEHU, Tura Campus), Dr. G. Kadirvel (Director, ICAR-ATARI, Guwahati), Professor G. Singaiah (Dean, SEMI, NEHU, Shillong), Dr. R. Sasikumar (Nodal Officer, Incubation Centre, NEHU, Tura Campus), and Dr. Gino A Sangma, showcased a collaborative effort with APEDA (Regional Office, Guwahati).
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