Ration shops to save Cashew Corporation? Food Department gives permission to sell through K-stores

KOLLAM: The Food Department has given permission to sell cashew nuts and value-added products produced by the Cashew Corporation through K-stores attached to ration shops. An MoU in this regard will be signed with the Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Commission, which is in charge of K-stores. Permission has also been sought from the government to sell through ration shops. The aim is to overcome the financial crisis faced by the corporation by selling more products in the open market. There are currently 2147 K-stores in Kerala.

Only 17% of the corporation's total production is currently available in the retail market. 83% of cashew nuts are purchased by large private entrepreneurs through e-tender. The tender is fixed at up to 30% less than the price in the open market. Private companies that buy in this way sell the products at a higher price.

Target for more sales

Cashew Corporation sells its products through retail only through about 200 franchises, 18 outlets, Supplyco, Consumerfed, etc at present. It is hoped that more products will be sold by ensuring the participation of K-stores. The working days of the workers can also be increased with the increase in production.

''A memorandum of understanding to sell products through K-stores will be signed soon

-S Jayamohan, Chairman,

Cashew Corporation