Are you all set to be a part of one of the most exciting fruit festivals in Goa, the Cashew Fest 2023?
If you're game, then get ready as the Goa Forest Department Corporation and the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) gears up to host the first ever Cashew Fest on April 15, 2023 and April 16, 2023 at the Dayanand Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim.
In view of the same, a curtain raiser of the event was held on Friday, March 17, 2023. During the event, the logo of the event, and a website dedicated to the Goa Forest Department Corporation was released along with a video on the cashew heritage of Goa.
AT THE FESTIVAL...
The two-day cashew festival aims to bring forth Goa's cashew heritage to the people, while also highlighting problems and solutions that can help the cashew industry grow.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of the Goa Forest Department Corporation, Saurab Kumar, said, "During the festival, there will be workshops, lectures and display of items and products made from cashew."
He listed a few things that are planned for the festival and said that the owner of Cazulo, Hanzel Vaz will showcase the rich tradition of cashew feni-making and how cashew has played an important role in our heritage.
STARTUPS AND MORE
"Atal Incubation Centre will also join hands in the initiative and will look to supporting startups wanting to venture into any business associated with cashew," he added.
The MD also informed that Goa’s internationally acclaimed fashion designer, Verma Dmello, will be putting up her work of the kunbi saree and promoting it at the festival.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
One of the famous cashew companies in Goa, Zantye's, will be closely working with other producers of cashews and showcasing various types of cashews from Goa.
One can also get a glimpse of local handicrafts, food and other products through the stalls which will be put up by the Goa handicraft department and self-help groups.
WHY AN EXCULSIVE CASHEW FESTIVAL?
He also answered questions as to why there is a need for an exclusive cashew fest and said that the cashew needs recognition and attention, not just in Goa, but in academics and industry, which can enhance the production of the cashew in the country.
Chief Conservator, Rajiv Kumar Gupta, spoke about the scenario of cashew farming in Goa, and said that in the state, land has been given towards cashew cultivation; however, there is a need to increase production, and that the corporation was working towards it.
In the video released on the occasion by the department, various problems affecting cashew production and producers were highlighted, of which one was that though the cashew made its way to Goa from Brazil through the Portuguese rule, Goa stands seventh on the list of cashew production, and 25 to 50 percent of the cashew which is sold in the state is imported.
MLA of Poriem and Chairman of the GFDC, Divya Rane, said that the purpose of the festival is to take Goa's feni to the world and get it recognised internationally.
"During the festival, people will get an insight into various aspects of the cashew. They will also learn about its nutritional and medicinal value and engage in a healthy discussion when it comes to supporting the cashew industry."
GFDC has also ventured into eco-tourism and is working to promote eco-tourism in the state of Goa.
Minister for Environment, Vishwajit Rane, who was also present on the occasion, said that he would like to extend his full support to make the event a grand success.
He said, "I am pleased that the event is and independent event of GFDC. This event, which will have fun and frolic, will integrate a lot of elements and help the industry in a big way."