Andhra cashew producers see red over green plans

To shut units to protest pollution norms

Cashew producers from Palasa and Kasibugga, the two biggest cashew markets in Andhra Pradesh, have decided to close down their units if the government insists on implementing pollution control measures with immediate effect.

The units have been using drum roasting system, which causes air pollution in surroundings areas. Taking this into account, the pollution control board has directed the unit operators to switch over to the cooking-based system instead of roasting.

The officials concerned have also taken legal action against some cashew processing operators for not complying with their order in the last two months.

"If we introduce the cooking system, the quality of cashew kernels would deteriorate and it would render them unsuitable for long-term storage purposes. The new system would also result in loss of employment for 50 per cent of the workforce. So, labourers want us to continue with the present system ," said Malla Nooka Raju, president, Palasa Cashew Manufacturers' Association.

There are about 105 cashew processing units operating at Palasa and Kasibugga with a processing capacity of more than 1,100 bags (each bag contains 80 kg) a day. These units produce cashew kernels worth more than Rs 100 crore a year and provide direct employment to around 30,000 people.

"We are ready to install smoke-control equipment, which will cost about Rs 3.5 crore, at all the 105 units located at Palasa and Kasibugga. But, we need at least one year to install them. If the government does not agree, we will have no option but to close down the units," Nooka Raju said.