Enhancing Cashew Value Chain For Sustainable Impact
The study at hand was led and overseen by Vinod Raut, COO of Global Synergizers. Under his guidance, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the outcomes and impacts of a pivotal initiative in the cashew value chain
Project Partnership and Objectives
In collaboration with TechnoServe, the Clinton Giustra Enterprise Partnership (CGEP) established Acceso Cashew Enterprise Private Limited (ACE) in late 2013. The initiative aimed to achieve both business and social impact goals by elevating cashew yields and farmer incomes through agronomical training and fortified market connections. In 2014, over 1,000 farmers participated in the program, with 500 registering in 2015.
Geographical Scope
The study was meticulously carried out in the Konan Region of Maharashtra, spanning the entirety of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. It encapsulated insights from 500 chosen farmers who were integral to the project.
Research Objectives
The study’s objectives were broad and encompassing, intending to unravel key aspects of the cashew value chain:
> Uncover reasons for growers declining cashew apple supply chain participation.
> Examine the motives behind growers initially agreeing to supply, but later withdrawing during the season.
> Understand the factors contributing to brief supply periods.
> Analyze the driving forces behind continuous supply by select growers.
> Compare perspectives of farmers from Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts regarding cashew apple supply.
> Profile growers based on location, landholding size, total income, and cashew income
> Illuminate circumstances under which growers would consistently supply cashew apples to ACE.
Categories of Cashew Growers
Four distinct categories of cashew growers emerged from the study’s analysis
Growers who declined participation prior to the season.
Enrolled growers who didn’t participate despite enrollment.
Growers who briefly supplied but discontinued.
Growers who supplied cashew apples throughout the season.
Research Focus Areas
The study was comprehensive and spanned multiple dimensions of the cashew value chain:
- Socio-economic profiles of cashew growers.
- Production challenges and climatic risks.
- Harvesting and supply challenges faced by farmers.
- Motivations driving engagement in the cashew apple supply chain.
- Market prices and ideal pricing.
- Disease, pests, and pest control strategies.
- Role of cashew processors, traders, and aggregators.
Outcomes and Recommendations
The study’s outcomes highlighted critical changes required for the project’s sustainability and impactful conclusion. It yielded an analytical report covering market scenarios, fair pricing for cashew apples, training needs, capacity building, supply chain streamlining, and innovative products. It also suggested viable solutions for key challenges faced in supplying cashew apples. The study incorporated insights from the Vengurla Cashew Research Station’s initiatives.
Expansion and Collaborations
Drawing inspiration from the impactful cashew value chain initiative, Global Synergizers expanded its engagement to encompass diverse produce, including Mangoes, Turmeric, Cardamom, and other spices. The organization remains committed to collaborating with FPOs, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance capacity, design value chain studies, and forge forward market linkages. This proactive stance aligns with Global Synergizers’ ethos of creating a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.
