The Hindu Business Line : Cashew body plans slew of initiatives to promote exports

MR Walter D'Souza, who was elected President of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) at the 50th annual general meeting at Kochi on September 22, has plans for launching various innovative schemes and programmes to take cashew trade to new heights both in domestic and international market. Mr D'Souza is a prominent cashew exporter from Mangalore.

Mr D'Souza told Business Line here on Friday that his aim was to take cashew exports to the Rs 3,000-crore mark during the current financial year.

"Though I know that it is a Herculean task, CEPCI will work in this regard," he said.

There were plans to hold a global buyers-sellers meet. Focus would also be given on improving research and development (R&D) activities in cashew, he said.

The global buyers-sellers meet, which is likely to be held in either Kochi or Goa, will have participants from various countries, including the US, Europe, and Japan.

"My main aim to make inroads into Australia," he said. Vietnam has garnered a largest share of cashew exports to Australia due to its proximity to that country. India should also get a considerable share of cashew exports to Australia, he said.

In this regard, CEPCI will give focus on approaching exporters in the country. Mr D'Souza said he had plans for holding CEPCI's board meetings in Mangalore, Pondicherry, Goa and other major cashew-growing areas in the country.

One of the reasons for planning a board meeting in Pondicherry was to increase awareness about cashew manufacturing activities in areas surrounding Pondicherry. Quality upgradation would have to be given importance there, he said.

Asked about the R&D plans for cashew, he said a laboratory and research centre would come up at Kollam in Kerala.

The Union Ministry of Commerce has already sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the Rs 6-crore project.

All these activities will be taken up in phased manner, he said.

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