Govt ups support price for cashew nuts to Rs 170/kg

Panaji: Granting a long pending demand of farmers, state govt on Thursday raised the support price for cashew nuts from Rs 150 per kg to Rs 170 per kg under its scheme, ‘Assured Price for Agricultural Produce’.

While govt has not increased the support price for coconut, it has raised the quantum of coconuts from 50,000 to one lakh, for claiming support price. Production of coconuts per hectare will be treated according to the actual number, but not exceeding 10,000 nuts per hectare.

Cashew farmers have been making a case for a higher support price over the last few years owing to a drop in yield triggered by an increase in episodes of weather adversities. Over the last two to three years, the state has witnessed unseasonal rain, which has, in turn, impacted the cashew yield.

The extended support price, however, will provide for a maximum of 4,000kg of cashew nuts per individual cultivator. Also, a maximum area of 10 hectares will be considered.

Farmers having smaller areas will be paid an assured price that is proportionate to their area. The minimum quantity that will be considered for farmers to avail benefits should not be less than 50kg. The area registered under their respective krishi card will be considered for extending the benefits of assured price.

Farmers who wish to avail of the benefits of the scheme must apply within a year of selling their produce. A copy of their krishi cards must also be attached to their respective applications.