The State government has implemented a package of ₹40 crore for private processors to protect the cashew sector and the welfare of the workers, Industries Minister P Rajeev has said here on Tuesday.
He was inaugurating the project to reopen private cashew factories with the assistance of government at Khadija cashew factory in Perumpuzha. “The package for private processors has been prepared in a way that the government will bear up to ten lakh rupees as interest on loans taken for working capital. ₹3 crore has been spent for the purpose and ₹7 crore been set aside in the Budget,” said the Minister.
Mr. Rajeev added that the proposal to launch Kerala brand cashew products was under consideration. “Protocol will be prepared as part of branding. ₹5 crore will be given to private processors for creating women friendly workplaces while an equal amount will be given for the mechanisation of shelling section as part of easing the workload. If needed, the government will provide up to ₹40 lakh for a company to increase its turnover,” he said.
Vikraman, general secretary of of the association of private processors, presided over the function while former Minister J. Mercykuttyamma, Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) chairman S. Jayamohan, Capex chairman M. Sivasankarapilla, Elampallur panchayat president Regi Kallanvilla, and vice president Jalaja Gopan also spoke on the occasion.
