Summer is synonymous with the cashew season in Goa. The cashew season is packed with the summer extract of Niro, Urrack and one of the strongest drinks, Feni. This crop provides livelihood to many Goans who survive on just the produce till the next season. With irrigation, the plantation can give up to 30 per cent higher yield. However, over the years there has been a steady decline in the production of this summer fruit for various reasons. This year one can hardly find any cashew apples being sold in the market. However the markets are flooded with bottles of Niro which is the final extraction of the cashew fruit. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) needs to investigate how the drink sold in the market as ‘Niro’ is being produced. Goa is hosting the ‘Cashew Fest’ from April 25 to 27. Since Goa’s cashew production is far below the national average, it is learnt that the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) will take up rejuvenation of nearly 1,780 hectares of cashew plantation in the coming three years which is the need of the hour.
