Question : EARNING FROM CASHEW EXPORT



(a) whether the Government have noted the increase of export earnings from cashew kernel and other cashew products;

(b) if so, the status of each cash crops and agricultural produce in terms of export earnings; and

(c) the steps being taken to improve export earnings through cashew export?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

(c) Some of the steps taken/proposed to be taken for enhancement of exports of cashew and export earnings include:

1. Providing assistance for raising small and large nurseries for production of good quality planting material, upgradation of technical knowhow of farmers through demonstrations, trainings and publicity, rejuvenation of old cashew plantations, area expansion, improving productivity and training of farmers.

2. Grant of financial assistance for improved packaging, strengthening of quality control and modernization of processing units.

3. Arranging promotional campaigns such as buyer-seller meets and participation in important international fairs and exhibitions.

4. Providing assistance in development of data base and dissemination of market information.

5 . Providing assistance for setting up of laboratories for testing of products to ensure quality, technology transfer, process upgradation and product development.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (B) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2053 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4.8.2000 REGARDING EARNING FROM CASHEW EXPORT

EXPORT EARNINGS FROM CASH CROPS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

April -March, 1999-2000	Value (Rs. Lakhs)
ITEM Value (US$ Mil.)
CASH CROPS
Tobacco 99252.67 233.54 Spices 170192 400.45 Cashew 245361.1 577.32 Sugar 1076.54 2.53 Tea 176577.49 415.48 Coffee 136406.81 320.96 Cotton 8067.09 18.98
OTHER AGRO PRODUCTS
Pulses 40492.17 95.28 Rice 310537.04 730.68 Cereals 311352.7 732.59 Sesame & Niger Seeds 37169.6 87.46 HPS Groundnut 18322.7 43.11 Guargum Meal 81864.34 192.62 Oil Meals 160323.84 377.23 Shellac 8197.08 19.29 Floriculture & Seeds 15793.72 37.16 Fruits & Vegetables 64149.86 150.94
1US$=Rs.42.50 Source:DGCI&S