Stakeholder discussion for development of Sri Lankan Cashew Sector

The Ministry of Science and Technology is ready to provide technical and research support for the development of the national cashew sector.

As a preliminary step towards this, a stakeholder discussion was held under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena to exchange views on the current and future technical, experimental and operational challenges faced by the cashew sector as a plantation crop.

The current status of the local cashew sector and the area under formal cultivation, the increase in that area and the background for it were examined.

It was revealed that the average yield of a cashew tree in Sri Lanka is about 4–5kg, while in other countries it has been improved to a level where a yield of about 20kg can be obtained through modern technological methods.

The stakeholders pointed out that although about one million plants are required per year for advanced cashew cultivation in the country, only 3-4 lakh plants are currently being produced, a solution is needed to think about the future of 10 years and develop scientific methods to produce grafted plants.

The Minister stated that steps will be taken to provide support to research institutions under the Ministry for identifying new varieties of cashew cultivation, increasing yields, bridging the existing research and technological gaps for the production of necessary grafted plants and quality seeds, and for the promotion of advanced tissue culture.

He pointed out that funds can be provided for targeted research carried out in this regard by identifying research priority areas.

He further emphasized the importance of establishing strategic relationships between the government and the private sector and establishing mechanisms to import high-yielding germplasm from other countries under strong Memorandums of Understanding.

The meeting also discussed the creation of value-added by-products through the cashew tree, the diversification of crops, etc., and the creation of awareness campaigns to educate the public about cultivation.

The stakeholders expressed their appreciation that such attention has not been paid to the development of cashew cultivation before, and that the Ministry of Science and Technology has taken the initiative for this.

Officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology and affiliated institutions, representatives of the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation and the University of North Western, private sector cashew planters and producers, and a group of people attended the event. (MFJ)

Source : Daily News