Question : CASHEW PLANTATION

(a) whether the Government are aware that large areas under cashew-nut plantation in Contai sub-division of Midnapore district in West Bengal are facing gradual decline and extinction on account of the absence of any remedial steps;

(b) if so, whether the Central Cashew Board has ever adopted any measures for helping the distressed cashew growers and cashew workers in this area;

(c) whether the Government propose to send a team of experts to assess the present state of this plantation and suggest appropriate remedial measures for bringing it back to normal health so that it can contribute significantly in production and export of cashewnut; and

(d) when such a team is likely to visit this area?

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Development of Cashew in India is looked after by the Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development under the Ministry of Agriculture. National Research Centre for Cashew, Puthoor, Dakshin Kanara, Karnataka (under ICAR) and Research Centres in various Regions including Jhargram in West Bengal extends support to Cashew Directorate.

(c)&(d) A communication has been made to the Cashew Export Promotion Council to put together a team. It is suggested that experts from Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development and National Research Centre for Cashew be included.