COVID-19 Outbreak: Karnataka Cashew Association Asks Growers not to Panic amid Lockdown

Amid the growing Coronavirus outbreak across India, the Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association (KCMA) has advised the cashew growers not to panic due to COVID-19 in the country. The Karnataka government along with KCMA has assured the farmers to buy cashew from them at fair prices as soon as the virus impact subsides, says the reports released from KCMA.

As per reports, the Karnataka government has advised the factories to run at 50 per cent capacity or remain shut. President of KCMA, Subraya Pai, said the industry is aware that this is the peak raw cashew nut harvest season in Karnataka and neighbouring States. 

As most of the processing units are located in the districts declared for lockdown, they are unable to perform their regular business operations such as procuring and drying of raw cashew nut, processing them to cashew kernels and exports.

How to Store Cashewnuts at Home amid Lockdown?

The cashew farmers and raw cashew traders need to sun-dry raw cashew nuts for two days, and store them in jute bags, and keep them in dry and ventilated areas.

The above post-harvest treatment will help stop the deterioration of the quality of raw cashew nut and retain its true value.

“Instead of trying to sell in this distress situation, we advise the farmers not to panic and hold it for some more time”, he said while stating the current scenario of India and it’s market.

Moreover, the industry has assured to buy produce from farmers at fair prices as soon as the impact of Covid-19 subsides and business operations normalize across the world.

To avoid public gathering amid this horrific situation, he said, “We seek your cooperation now and equally assure to lend our support when things normalize.”

While viewing the most difficult and extremely challenging times in commodity and market due to outbreak of Covid-19, Pai said most of the operations of sales and exports have been disrupted. These are crucial times where the industry needs to balance its attention towards consumers, producers and also the safety of the employees.