Cashew Crop

India is a major producer of cashews.

India is also one of the few countries that uses endosulfan, a highly toxic pesticide credited with causing reproductive and developmental damage in both animals and humans.  

Up until recently in the international community of Auroville, cashews would fall off of trees and remain unused. 

A local entrepreneur named Alok decided to diversify his initial tea business called Cuppa Chai, and process the unused cashews of Auroville.

His production process utilizes the labor of local Tamil villagers, and is all done by hand.  The workers are on contracts and are paid by the kilo of cashews they shell.

 

Some cashews are roasted with the shell on in sand which is heated in a large pan.  Others are simply dried in the sun and packaged, ready to eat. The process is in line with organic farming, and free trade practices. 

Demand for the cashews is high, and all of his product is guaranteed to be sold.  Alok Hopes to expand his cashew business, and hire a manager to take on his responsibilities.  This, he says, will allow him to move on to the next project, which will focus on purchasing food collectively for the community of Auroville.