“GFDC presents Goa’s first Cashew festival which will be organised on April 15-16, 2023, Dayanand Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panjim to celebrate Goa’s rich history and culture of Cashew”
A curtain raiser of Goa’s first cashew festival ‘Cashew Fest 2023’ scheduled to be hosted on April 15-16, 2023 was organised today in presence of Honourable Minister for Forest, Shri Vishwajit P.Rane, Chairperson, GFDCL and MLA Parye Constituency Dr. Deviya Vishwajit Rane, PCCF, Shri. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IFS and Swati Salgaonkar. The festival will be hosted by GFDC with financial assistance from GSUDA. With a focus on celebrating the diversity of the cashew plant, the festival will provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the rich traditions and cultures associated with this important crop, and give cashew the boost it deserves in the state.
Speaking during the precursor, Forest Minister Shri. Vishwajit Rane said, “The Cashew festival is not just about showcasing the versatility of the cashew plant and its many products; it is also an opportunity to celebrate Goan culture and traditions. To this end, there will be a range of entertainment and cultural activities taking place during the festival. This festival will cater to all age groups.” A logo for the Cashew Fest 2023 was launched at the hands of the Honourable Minister. The logo depicts all things Goan, sand sea, greenery and is made by Kaavi art, a popular mural found in the konkan region, especially in the temples of Goa. During the event, a website for GFDC was also launched by the Minister which will undertake bookings, and gives out information on the department.
Besides the many activities planned, one of the main highlights of the festival will be the cashew stomping and showcasing distillation. Here the attendees will have the opportunity to participle in the age-old tradition of stomping on cashew fruits to extract the valuable juice. There are technical sessions, experiences shared by progressive cashew growers organised which will allow participants to get up close and personal with the cashew plant.
Chairperson, GFDC, Dr. Deviya Rane said, “The festival was conceptualised with the intention of promoting cashews because they have many benefits. To ensure that the fruit receives a great deal of attention and popularity, the F&B professionals will greatly assist us. As cashew is a way of life in Goa, we will have a ton of fun stalls and entertainment during the festival. Goa has the GI tagging for Feni and many countries are willing to learn the process distillation of Feni from us, we have to take advantage of it. We can give cashew the push it needs with the combined efforts of every department, which would also greatly help the nearby farmers. Goa produces 24,000 tonnes annually; with our combined efforts, we can increase it to more over 37,000 tonnes. By generating sales in the neighbouring states and providing provisions at Duty Free, the Excise Department should also help us give it a boost.”
Attendees will be able to sample a wide variety of cashew-based cuisine, from savoury dishes to sweet desserts. Local chefs and food vendors will be showcasing their creativity by creating unique cashew-based dishes and desserts, offering a delicious and memorable culinary experience. There is also entertainment planned like dance troupes showing Goan traditions, food and beverage stalls, eco pop up stores, stores by self-help groups, fashion show highlighting Goan weaves of the kunbi brought by fashion designer Verma D’mello, music and much more.
PCCF, Mr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, IFS said, “I am sure the festival will significantly contribute to capacity building of all cashew growers and farmers related to crop protection, management and other technical aspect, further I am confident that the festival will also benefit cashew retailers, processors, distillers through demonstration and other related information and technology in a user friendly way.”
APCCF, Mr. Saurabh Kumar said, “We have large number of population including women self-help groups that are related to the cashew industry, this may be not seen but it is very prominent. Cashew needs a push at all level, academic, research, government and industrial level. This festival will provide a platform for each and every stake holder to come forward to discuss deliberate and bridge the gap.
Overall, the entertainment and cultural activities at Goa’s first Cashew Festival promises to be a feast for the senses, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.