Cashews are a popular choice when it comes to dry fruits, thanks to their unique flavor profile, creamy texture, and numerous nutritional benefits. However, these nutty treats often come with a hefty price tag, making them a luxury that not everyone can afford.
In the midst of this, the district of Jamtara in the Indian state of Jharkhand has emerged as a unique exception. This district is not only known as the phishing capital of India, but it also sells cashews at incredibly low rates that are unheard of in other parts of the country.
The reason behind this phenomenon lies in a small village called Nala, which is located just four kilometers away from Jamtara. Nala is popularly known as the cashew city of Jharkhand, and for good reason. Here, cashews are sold at prices that are comparable to any other vegetable available in the country, ranging from INR 20-30 per kg.
The primary reason why cashews are sold at such a cheap rate in Nala is that the villagers have been cultivating cashews on a large scale for several years now. The cashew plantation in Nala was first identified by the Forest Department, which recognized that the climate and soil in the area were highly suitable for cashew cultivation. As a result, the department planted cashew saplings in an area of 50 acres in Nala, and the farmers started cultivating cashews on a large scale.
However, since the area is not highly developed, the villagers sell the cashews at a quarter of the market rate on the roadside. This has resulted in a unique situation where people can purchase cashews at incredibly low prices, making it an affordable luxury for many.
One interesting aspect of this story is the role played by Kripanand Jha, who was the Deputy Commissioner of Jamtara at one point. Jha was instrumental in identifying the potential for cashew cultivation in Nala and worked with agricultural scientists to plant cashew trees in the area. This initiative by the Forest Department has not only led to the cultivation of cashews on a large scale but has also created several employment opportunities for the people in the region.
Despite this, many villagers feel that more needs to be done to take advantage of the potential for cashew cultivation in the area. They believe that setting up a cashew processing plant in the region would not only help create more job opportunities but would also lead to an increase in the value of cashews sold by the farmers.
The story of Nala village in Jharkhand is a fascinating example of how an initiative by the Forest Department and the hard work of the villagers have led to a unique situation where cashews are sold at incredibly low prices. It also highlights the potential for further development in the area and the need to create more job opportunities for the people living there.