India’s leading grape exporter, Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company, situated in Nashik, has taken a significant step by establishing Maharashtra’s largest cashew processing plant. This endeavor is part of their commitment to create a robust value chain for cashew, a crucial crop in both the Konkan region and the tribal belt of the State. The processing plant has been strategically set up on Sahyadri’s Mohadi campus in Nashik, showcasing their dedication to enhancing the cashew industry.
With a capacity to process 100 tonnes of cashew daily, the facility not only handles cashew processing but also generates cashew shell oil. This dual-purpose operation is poised to uplift the economic well-being of farmers, contributing to an enhanced financial standing for them.
Vilas Shinde, President and Managing Director of Sahyadri, pointed out that despite holding the position of the world’s foremost cashew producer, India falls short of fulfilling its own domestic demand.
“There is immense opportunity in cashew farming and business as cashew has the potential to revolutionise the economy of Konkan and areas in the Sahyadri mountain range,” he said.
Shinde emphasized the importance of enhancing average cashew productivity and underscored the need to prioritize the establishment of substantial initiatives for both cashew pulp and cashew nut products.
“This will not only increase the income of the cashew farmers but also create job opportunities in the villages and curb migration to cities,” he said.
The plant boasts several noteworthy features that set it apart. With a remarkable daily capacity to process 100 metric tonnes of cashew, it stands as the largest of its kind in the State and ranks among the top 10 facilities nationwide. The plant’s approach to processing is centralized, streamlining operations for efficiency. An additional highlight is the inclusion of a specialized 20-tonne unit dedicated to extracting oil from cashew shells, further enhancing its utility. The plant’s management adheres to standards equivalent to those of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), ensuring top-tier quality and practices. Beyond its industrial significance, the plant plays a pivotal role in the community by providing permanent employment for over 300 local women, contributing to their economic empowerment.
