Parliament Question: Competition in Konkan cashew industry due to imports

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3460 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 23.03.2026 COMPETITION IN KONKAN CASHEW INDUSTRY DUE TO IMPORTS 3460. SHRI DHAIRYASHIL MOHAN PATIL: Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that the cashew processing industry in the districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg is facing competition from cheaper imported raw cashew nuts, while India imported approximately 1.18 million tonnes of raw cashew nuts worth about US$ 1.35 billion in 2023; (b) whether any assessment has been made regarding the closure of local units and the impact on employment due to such import competition; (c) whether any special package has been proposed under the RAMP scheme for the revival of these units; and (d) the manner in which youth are being encouraged towards entrepreneurship through the ASPIRE scheme? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) to (d): India is among the leading processors and exporters of cashew kernels globally. Given a large consumption base and the gap between domestic production and processing capacity, the industry remains dependent on imported raw cashew nuts, particularly from African countries. To safeguard the interests of the domestic cashew processing industry, the Government has imposed restrictions on the import of processed cashew kernels under HSN codes 08013210 and 08013220. Mission for integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a centrally sponsored scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare w.e.f 2024-25 for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering cashews. The Budget 2026-27 announced a dedicated programme for Indian cashew and cocoa to make India self-reliant in raw cashew and cocoa production and processing, enhance export competitiveness and transform Indian Cashew and Indian Cocoa into premium global brands by 2030.: 2 : Further, GST rationalisation undertaken by the government directly strengthen MSMEs fortifying local supply chains in sectors including in cashew sector. Lower GST rates have made raw materials and services more affordable, motivating small and medium enterprises and start-ups to scale up operations, invest in innovation, and compete both domestically and globally. Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) aims at strengthening Institutions and governance at the Centre and State, improving Centre-State linkages and partnerships, improving access to market and credit, addressing issues of delayed payments and greening of MSMEs including the MSMEs in cashew sector. A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE) implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) aims to create employment opportunities in the agro-rural sector by establishing a network of Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) by imparting various skill development programmes to the rural youth, women and the unemployed. ****