Karnataka to Revive Cashew Cultivation, Rs 1 Crore Grant Announced for Quality Saplings

Karnataka to Revive Cashew Cultivation, Rs 1 Crore Grant Announced for Quality Saplings

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 17, 2026: Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre on Sunday said Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts hold strong potential for cashew cultivation, and announced that the government will provide a Rs 1 crore grant for the development of quality grafted cashew saplings through the Karnataka State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).

Speaking after inaugurating the two-day Cashew Fair organised by KSCDC at Kadri Park in Mangaluru, the minister said quality saplings would be raised and supplied to farmers to encourage large-scale cultivation in the region.

Khandre said many farmers had moved away from commercial cashew farming following the endosulfan tragedy, forcing processing industries to depend heavily on imports, particularly from African countries. He said the government is now taking steps to revive cashew cultivation and restore the sector.

“The state will be made self-reliant in cashew production by reducing imports and increasing quality output,” he said.

The minister said cashew cultivation is also being promoted in the Kalyana Karnataka region, including Kalaburagi district, with support from the government and the forest department under a dedicated action plan.

Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, Khandre said the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats play a crucial role in maintaining rainfall patterns and ecological balance.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to conserve the Western Ghats,” he said.

He added that nearly 11 crore saplings had been planted and nurtured across the state over the past three years to increase green cover, while large-scale forest encroachments were being cleared in phases.

Referring to climate change, the minister said rainfall patterns had changed significantly, with intense spells of rain causing damage to crops in many areas.

Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath urged the government to announce a special package for cashew cultivation, noting that domestic production currently meets demand for only about one-and-a-half months. He also suggested utilising vacant forest land for cashew plantations.

As part of the fair, 12 progressive farmers were felicitated. Painting and rangoli competitions were also organised during the event.

KSCDC chairperson Mamatha DS Gatti, elected representatives and government officials were present.