The Cashew Farmers Association has demanded the government for an increase in the subsidy amount for cashew yield. The association emphasized the need for unpaid dues from the previous year and the current year to be provided as soon as possible. They have urged for an increase in the MSP per kg rate of cashews from 150 to 175 per kg and also requested an increase in the amount for organic cashew farming to 15000 per hectare and for non-organic farming to 10000 per hectare.
They further highlighted that the cashew crop yield is poor in the state due to climatic conditions and the prices remaining low this season also affecting the farmers adversely in this inflammation. Farmers have been hit by poor crops as well as low prices. The cashew rates this season are as low as Rs 113 per kg, which is not feasible to farmers looking at the high cost of cultivation. Farmers in the state have reported a significant decline in the cashew crop during the 2023-24 season, attributing it to adverse climatic conditions. Furthermore, the preceding year, 2022-23, also witnessed a decrease in production.
Prakash Velip Chairman of, the Farmers Association also highlighted the issue of the unpaid minimum support price on cashews to member farmers. The bills for a total of 114 farmers in Quepem, Sanguem, and Canacona remained unpaid by the agriculture department during the last year and current year. The applications have been rejected for various reasons, including failure to meet the criteria, production falling below the minimum quantity of 50 kg, absence of Krishi cards, and other factors. As per the association, farmers are required to provide bills and produce a Krishi Card to claim the MSP. However, there are instances where farmers face challenges in obtaining the benefit. The government has not put forth significant efforts to improve cashew yields in the state, nor has any research been conducted on cashew tree varieties resilient to climatic fluctuations, he added
The cashew farmers association mentioned that each year, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 tonnes of raw cashews are imported into the state. These cashews are of inferior quality and have a detrimental impact on the price received by Goan farmers. There is more sale of these nuts because they are cheaper and the imported nuts are also spoiling the Goan brand name as they are being sold as local produce, said the association.