Shortage of labour coupled with lack of mechanisation has led to a downturn in the cashew production in Goa as well as the rest of India. This year the country is expecting a 15% drop in exports.

Cashew Quest – 2009, an all-India cashew manufacturers conference  begins today in Goa. The conference will discuss the problems faced by the industry.

The president of the Goa Cashew Manufacturers Association, Mr Madhav Sahakari said lack of scientific cultivation of the cashew crop as well as absence of professional approach in cashew cultivation have resulted in low per plant production of cashew crop.

He also blamed mining rejects dumped in some cashew plantations as a cause of the shortfall in Goa.

"Some of the best plantations in Sanguem, Sattari and Quepem have been destroyed by mining activities," Mr Sahakari said.

Suresh Zantye, a major producer of cashews in Goa said the biggest problem is the shortage of labour in cashew nut processing.

The three-day event is jointly organised by the Goa Cashew Manufacturers’ Association, the Maharashtra Cashew Manufacturers’ Association and the Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association.