Govt will support cashew nut, coffee cultivation: Agriculture minister

The government will provide all types of cooperation for the cultivation of cashew nuts and coffee as the duo are non-conventional crops, said Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque. 

The minister said, "All those who will come forward, including farmers and entrepreneurs, in the cultivation and processing of non-conventional crops – including coffee and cashew nuts – will be given all possible assistance in all fields including a supply of improved varieties of seedlings, advice on production and technology."

He was speaking at the virtual inauguration of Jackpot Cashew Nuts Industry Processing Unit 2 on Sunday, organised by Jackpot Industrial Park, Chinirkuthi Bazar, Nilphamari.  

The agriculture minister said there is a lot of potential for cashew nut cultivation and production in Bangladesh. 

"In particular, cashew nuts and coffee plantations have commercial potential in hilly and northern districts. On the other hand, there are a lot of opportunities for these products for export. The demand for these crops is much higher on the international market," Abdur Razzaque added.

The minister also urged the farmers and educated young entrepreneurs to come forward for the cultivation of non-conventional crops including cashew nuts and coffee on a commercial basis.

As per the presentation in the programme, in June 2017, entrepreneur Ibnul Arifuzzaman with Rabiul Islam, Mominul Islam, and Johnny Saha set up Jackpot Cashew Nuts Industries Limited in Nilphamari. 

Initially it started with only 15 workers but now it has 50 workers – 49 of whom are women – with the factory's monthly production hitting 4,000 kilogrammes. 

Initially it started selling on the local market, but now it is selling commercially in super shops and other parts of the country. 

According to the company's information, the new unit of the Jackpot Cashew Industry is located at Chinirkuthi Bazar in Nilphamari district. 

It adds that all manufacturing units are well lighted and ventilated with industrial safety measures as described by the local regulatory laws and buyers' Code of Conduct.

The group's available products are: Fresh Cashew, Honey Cashew, Mix Cashew, and Salt Cashew. The upcoming products are Green Chutney, Hot Chili, Khatti Mitthi Imali, and Cashew Nut Shell Liquid.