Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Mar 16: The two-day Kaju Summit organized by the Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations at TMA Pai Convention Centre saw tremendous response from the citizens of Mangaluru.
Significantly, as many as 60,000 cashew saplings were distributed during the valedictory on Sunday March 15 at TMA with a view to boost cashew crops and develop the industry. The saplings were symbolically distributed by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.
Addressing the gathering, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "I will hold discussions with the minister concerned and others MPs to solve problems facing cashew farmers and businessmen and promote the cashew industry. Necessary steps will be taken in this regard."
MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "Necessary steps will be taken by the state government to increase the production of raw cashew crop and promote the cashew industry. In order to increase the production of raw cashew crop I will work towards getting more grant for cashew board from the government. Cashew manufacturers need to do research on different value-based products."
Sujatha Karunakaran, DGM of Canara Bank said that his bank is always ready to give every possible support for the growth of cashew industry.
Walter D'Souza, chairman of diamond jubilee celebration committee in his introductory address said, "Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers' Association is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year. On this occasion the association has hosted a number of programmes and projects under the theme 'Production, processing, promotion of cashew. This summit has been organized for the growth and promotion of cashew crop and manufacturing of cashew products. We have placed our grievances before the government and we request both state and central government to respond positively."
As part of the two-day summit, a machinery exhibition called 'Kaju Tech' showcasing the latest machineries and processing technologies, and 'Kaju Fest', a cashew festival to educate the public on cashew industry and its products were held.
A highlight of the event was 'Swad Kaju Ka' recipe competition where chefs and talented homemakers took part and prepared mouth-watering delicacies with cashew as an ingredient. The competition saw a wide variety of dishes made from unique combination of ingredients.
Averyl Rodrigues, the editor of recipe column in daijiworld.com and the host of 'The Roshow' - the cookery show on daijiworld24x7, who prepared a dish of baked chicken breasts stuffed with roasted cashew nuts, spinach and other ingredients, won the first place among 71 contestants. Ruqaiya Husna came second while Anitha Goveas won the third place. Among rookie cooks, Diksha Kumari won the top place followed by Dayrin.
The cultural and entertainment programmes included a dance programme by Jnana Aithal and magic show by Kudroli Ganesh.
Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association president B Rahul Kamath, Tukaram Prabhu, K Promod Kamath, Sudhakara Kamath, Kiran Kumar, D Gopal Krishna Kamath and G Giridar Prabhu were present at the occasion.