CM DECLARES CASHEW FEST AS STATE FESTIVAL
Panaji: April 15, 2023
After request from Shri Shripad Naik and Minister for Forest Shri Vishwajit Rane to make cashew fest as State festival Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant declared cashew fest as State festival that will be celebrated every year at different venues like International film festival of India, Purple Fest, Wine fest after inaugurating the first ever two day cashew fest Goa 2023 organized by Goa Forest Development Corporation Limited (GFDC) at Bandodkar Ground Campal in the city today.
Looking at the good response from the people for the cashew fest, Chief Minister said that the concept of combining cashew and Tourism, cashew and culture will help not only to attract Goans but also Tourists in the coming years. Informing about the Government’s decision to increase the minimum price for cashew growing farmers from Rs. 105 Rs to 150 for the current financial year, he said cashew farmers who have sold their cashewnut in the last financial year will also get the benefit of this subsidy. CM urged goans to promote local for vocal which will help in making Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swayamnpurna Goa.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India Shri Shripad Naik said that production of cashew has declined forcing the local traders to import cashew from other States and selling it as Goa’s brand. Efforts should be made by the Government to increase cashew production in Goa which will help not only to generate income but will also help to boost tourism in the State.
Minister for Forest Shri Vishwajit Rane said to create such events we have to start thinking out of the box. To make Goa Swayanpurn in true sense we need to exploit best opportunities, best resources available in the State.
Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Khaunte congratulated Dr Deviya Rane and Shri Vishwajit Rane for coming up with a unique and beautiful concept of positioning the cashew. Although cashew fruit was inherited from Brazil but it’s roots today are Goans and the fruit can be taken to the next level not only just as an event but allow it to be seen by international and domestic tourists in a different perspective, he added. As we walk in the aspect of spirituality, eco-tourism, adventure, wellness tourism we have started to ensure that we change perception of Goa not only as sun, sand,and sea but beyond beaches, he stated.
Deputy speaker, Shri. Joshua De Souza, MLA’s, Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Shri. Pravin Arlekar, Shri. Ulhas Tuenkar, Shri. Deliaha Lobo, Krishna Daji Salkar, MLA, Shri. Antonio Vas, GTDC Chairman, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairperson GFDC, CCP Mayor, Shri. Rohit Monserrate, Principal Chief of Forest, Shri. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IFS, Chairman EDC, Shri. Sadananad Shet Tanavade and others also graced the occasion.
Speaking on keynote address ,Dr Deviya Rane Chairperson GFDC, informed that main objectives of the event is to take steps towards Atmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa, support SHGS, Women empowerment, promote Cashew & Tourism Industry of Goa and to showcase rich and incredible Culture of Goa. Dr Rane said despite cashew being a cash crop, cashew farmers are still struggling to make decent profit due to low prices, competition from other crop and lack of support from the industry. Thus we have conceptualize this event to create awareness of the value of our goan cashew.
Dr Rane also expressed that feni should be served in each official dinner of G20 events and all international conferences to be held in Goa .This is the only way we can promote feni globally and nationally.
Dr Rane also urged the government to take all suitable measures expeditiously to promote our heritage and spirit across India and at international level through various policy interventions including relaxation in existing excise rules. Dr Rane further urged the government to make an attempt and ensure to provide space for feni in duty free shops in Manohar International Airport, Mopa which will give much deserved publicity to our heritage spirit.
Shri Saurabh Kumar, IFS – Managing Director welcomed the gathering, Shri Nandkumar Parab, General Manager GFDC proposed the vote of thanks
Two Day Cashew Fest will have performances of Live Band Raagas to Richies, Shor Police, Goa’s Nightingale Lorna, Stebin Ben (Playback Singer and Performer) and Fashion Show by Verma Dmello.