The Global Cashew Summit `Kaju India2019` Begins

Under the new National Agriculture export policy Government has identified specific agriculture export zones and clusters well placed with ports and airports in the country aimed at boosting India’s agriculture products exports internationally. “The new agriculture policy has been jointly prepared by the ministries of commerce, agriculture, and food processing.

Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Commerce and industry while speaking at a Three day International Buyer-Seller meet cum Exhibition , Kaju India 2019, the Global Cashew Summit in New Delhi that started on 14^th February said the commerce ministry will set up a series of centres in states to help farmers and exporters to brand and sell products to international market, where demand for such products is high.

 He said, “To generate more employment, particularly for rural women, earn foreign exchange, add to economic development we need to focus more on cashew exports, The government reduced customs duty to 2.5% on cashew kernel now working on 0% import duty. To  ward off Competition from other countries as well” The minister added. The Major global cashew exporting and processing countries including India, Vietnam and Brazil need to join hands and exchange information to cooperate and prevent competition to ensure sustainability of the cashew industry and meet future challenges."

“Countries  like India, Vietnam and Brazil , which are among the largest producers, processors and exporters of  cashew need to cooperate and learn from each other to further grow .They need  consensus on pricing, quality control methods, commercial contract terms as well as collecting and publishing reliable and undeniable statistics of the industry” said  Dr Adama Coulibaly , Director General of Cotton and Cashew council of Core d’ivore popularly known as Ivory coast a country in South Africa and one of major grower of cashew crop.

Dr Coulibaly said, “Cashew exporting and processing countries also need to control misinformation and spread of rumours on social media about cashew consumption. These countries also need to conduct aggressive campaigns to   promote large consumption of cashew products in respective countries and world over to find new markets. Our countries invites Indian cashew processors to set up processing units in our country”.

“Vietnam is the largest processor and exporter of cashew nuts in the world, it exported 352,205 tons of cashew, it has surpassed Indi and Brazil  to rank first in the world . But due to various difficulties expected in the year 2019, it has decided not to buy and store cashew as prices worldwide keep changing” said Mr Dang Hoang Glang, Vice President and General secretary of Vietnam Cashew Association (VINANCA’ speaking on the occasion. 

“Vietnam Cashew industry is only 30-year-old and has learnt a lot from India, both India and Vietnam needs to cooperate and exchange more information to meet future challenges and sustain. Both the industry associations The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) and VINACA should set up a hotline as well as meet once a week to sort out various issues plaguing the industry and boost exports “Mr Glang said.

 “USA is one of the largest importers of cashew as well as other food items, but the cashew exporters need to gear up for the coming food quality and safety regulations in USA, Canada and Europe. The importers of food products in USA will need more documentation, quality certification as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the Food Safety Modernization Act to ensure that U.S. companies make products safe for consumption. The latest regulation goes a step further with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (F.S.V.P.) to verify food imports meet the same safety standards as U.S. food production. “said Mr Bob Bauer, President, Association of Food Industries, USA, speaking on the occasion. 

 “The Sixth edition of the “Kaju India 2019-The Global Cashew Summit is being organised to bring together the entire spectrum of the Global Cashew Industry - cashew kernel buyers, sellers, processors and providers of ancillary & supporting services across the world. The Event will be inaugurated by Mr Suresh Prabhu, Hon Union Minister of Commerce and Industry “said Dr R.K.Bhoodes, Chairman, The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) speaking on the occasion. 

“As India is the world's largest producer, processor and consumer of cashew special promotion for country’s products under “Indian Cashew” brand is proposed to be launched during the “KAJU INDIA 2019”.  The theme of the global event has been rightly chosen as “Indian Cashews – The Superfood” due to its dietary fiber, nutrients and health benefits.” Said Dr Bhoodes. 

“The Cashew Industry is spread over 17 states of India that  earns forex worth Rs. 6,000 Cr to nation’s economy annually. Apart, Cashew  industry provides gainful employment to more than 10 Lakhs workers the vast majority of  whom are women folks  from the socially and economically backward section of society. The economy of many villages in Rural and suburban area   is dependent on the cashew Industry.” 

“Kaju India 2019 is also the curtain raiser for the yearlong celebrations to commemorate the 100th year of Indian Cashew Export. It was in 1920 that India exported its first consignment and introduced cashew kernels as a commodity to the international market. Today, India is the largest producer, processor and consumer of cashew in the world. Indian Cashew is accepted all over the world for its high quality, taste and rich tradition. With growing competition worldwide Indian industry plans to focus on developing highly processed products and exporting products with high value-addition.” He said. 

This Mega Event is expected to be a premier gathering of world leaders of the Cashew Industry including Ministers and diplomats from cashew producing / consuming countries. It is so envisaged to strengthen the industry under the “MAKE IN INDIA” scheme and promote ‘INDIAN CASHEW’ brand globally.