Pages

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Farmers urged to sell cashew nuts

Wednesday, 10 November 2010 23:21

The Citizen Correspondent

Mtwara. The Tandahimba and Newala Cooperative Union (TANECU) have made a call to cashew farmers in the area to sell their crops during this time, as many are said to store waiting for good price.

The TANECU chairman, Yusuf Nanila, told The Citizen in an interview that most of farmers have not yet brought their cashewnuts to the primary cooperative societies for selling.



He said the union estimated to buy 40,000 tonnes of cashewnut during this season, but by the moment only 14,000 tones have been bought by primary cooperative societies, while 36,000 tones are still on the hand of farmers.

“Last season there was a problem where by some farmer’s cashew was sold at low price, those were mainly sold at early time of buying season….now farmers are reluctant to sell their crops fearing for low price” said Mr. Nanila.

He analyzed that, in last buying season price for cashewnuts in the biding area was dropped especially to those brought at early of the season, the situation caused some farmers to receive little money during third installment, while those who sold late, they got a lot of money.



“They think the situation occurred last season likely to occur this time, that’s why they don’t sell their crops…I would like to call them to sell their crops this time as the price is high in the bid,” he noted.

He said since the opening of the season the biding price of cashewnuts is high but hopping to droop after a while, as buyers buy enough cargo for their demand.

“Now the price is good but farmers don’t want to sell their cashewnuts, my fear is that, they will sell their crops as price in the bidding warehouse have collapsed,” he commented.



Cashewnuts are bought under the warehouse receipt system, where by farmers are paid 70, percent of the price as they sell their crops to primary cooperative society and 30 percent are paid after cashewnuts sold by bidding process at warehouse.

The indicative price have raised from 710 last season to 800 this season as the payments stands on installments, first, second and sometimes third installment if the business goes in profit.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

MANGALORE CASHEW REPORTS...

Cashew Grades 06/12/10 06/19/10


Mangalore (Rs/11.34Kg) (without tax)

W180 5800 6000

S180 5350 5250

W210 4800 5000

S210 4500 4600

W240 4300 4350

S240 3900 4050

W320 3850 4000

W1 3725 3850

SW 3575 3725

SSW 3475 3600

JH 3500 3550

S 3350 3375

LWP 3000 2950

SWP 2775 2800

K 3100 3100

JB 3125 3150

CASHEW NEWS

Cashew News


Cashew exports on shaky ground

Exports of cashew continues to be lower this year as

compared to the last fi nancial year because both buyers

and sellers are not willing to take any risk due to

the volatile price situation. Volume of export for the

fi rst two months of the current fi nancial year is down

by 4% while value realisation for the period is down by

around 3.8% as compared to the same period of last

fi nancial year.

Interestingly, import of raw cashew has also come

down in the current fi nancial year, which also indicates

lower demand at both domestic and export market.

Unlike 2009-10, when imports were increasing despite

low exports, import of raw cashews has gone down by

more than 14% during the fi rst two months of 2010-

2011 while the total value of imports has come down

by 8%. Import of raw cashew in 2009-10 is higher by

15 % in value terms and 24% in volume terms. Cashew

kernel exports during the last fi nancial year was down

by 2.7 % in value terms and 1.2 % in volume terms

when compared to the same period of 2008-09.

Except for some brisk activity in the second half

of April, market has been quiet for more than two

months. This is a cause for concern as it adds to the

volatility, according to traders. Despite lack of activity,

there have been no sign of any large selling pressure,

they added. High price for raw cashew and slow

arrivals have lead to reduced processing. It has to be

seen whether processors can hold on till some large

buying interest comes in. Recent developments in the

fi nancial markets are adding to the concern about its

impact on the retail demand and ability to carry inventory.

On the buying side also, there is no rush to

buy, as there is uncertainty in the market. Nobody

seems to be in a mood to take large positions.

Traders are expecting the market to rebound during

September because of a supply crunch. According to

industry experts, buyers in Europe, Japan and Australia

do a major portion of their buying for the next season

during September –October. US buyers also stock

in advance for Christmas and other festivals. These

factors should provide a fl oor to the market in the top

half of the current range unless something dramatic

happens. Like a big drop...usage during May-August

leading to less need to buy or a worsening of the economic

situation leading to reduced contracting.

Cashew exports improve in May: CEPC

Cashew exports, affected in April due to the Euro crisis,

regained its momentum in May, though marginally

lower than last year in the same month. Exports

which had dipped to 7,802 ton and Rs.209.74 crore in

April, saw a robust pick-up to 8,746 ton and Rs.234.19

crore in May, though it was marginally short of the

year-ago fi gure of 8,835 ton and Rs.237.95 crore, according

to data given by Cashew Export Promotion

Council (CEPC).

During April, the cashew kernel exports had declined

mainly on account of slow pace of global recovery

and the Euro-zone debt crisis causing slowdown in

demand. Exports of the wonder nut, which was hit

last year due to global economic crisis, have been on

an upward trend since January this year. The fl uctuations

in prices and fall in Euro has contributed to

this upward trend in cashew exports, CEPC Secretary

Sashi Varma said adding that the global crisis is not

fully over yet and these fl uctuations in prices are normal.

When asked on the shipments scenario ahead, he

said, It is diffi cult to predict the future, we can only

hope for a better offtake. Indian processed cashew

nuts are shipped to the US, West Asia and Europe.

The cumulative exports during the fi rst fi ve months

also showed slight decline in volume at 42,616 ton

as compared to 42,704 ton. However, in value terms

it was at Rs.1,152 crore during January-May period

as against Rs.1,133.41 crore, the data showed. Meanwhile,

import of raw cashew nuts showed a declining

trend since last two months. In May, raw cashew import

stood at 92,016 ton compared to 92,818 ton.

However, in value terms, there was a slight improvement

due to price fl uctuation at Rs.360.86 crore

against Rs.338.88 crore in the same month last year.

News Highlights

Page 10

A Product of www.CashewInfo.com

CASHEW WEEK

The cumulative import of raw cashew during January-

May was fi rm both in terms of volume and value. In

volume terms, it stood at 2,29,241 ton during the fi rst

fi ve months this year compared to 2,23,087 ton in the

same period last year. While in value terms, the shipment

was at Rs.1,041.22 crore compared to 916.60

crore in the same period last year.

Cashew market active on Asian consumption

Cashew market was steady during the week with fair

amount of business taking place in different markets

at prevailing prices. Prices were more or less unchanged.

W240 was at around $3.15, W320 around

$2.95, W450 around $2.80 (f.o.b). As usual, some

processors sold at lower levels and some were able

to sell at higher levels, trade sources said. Indian domestic

market moved up a bit on broken grades, but

not much on wholes, they said.

Currently, there seems to be fair amount of buying

interest in the middle of $2.80 and $3 range with

buying resistance when prices come close to $3 and

selling reluctance when prices drop close to $2.80.

As we enter the peak Asian consumption period, we

can reasonably expect fi rmness in the market and increased

volatility due to the spot buying nature of

these markets. If there is need for any large contracting

in this period, we could see prices break the current

range. Despite a long period of inactivity, there

has not been so far any big selling pressure that we

normally see when market is quiet for even a couple

of weeks. Although some processors did sell at lower

levels, larger proportion seems to be willing to wait

and make sales when some buyers came in to pay the

levels they wanted. Reduced kernel availability and

the continued nearby buying by some market or the

other gives processors the comfort of being able to

sell when they want to.

Indian Infl ation stood at 17.21%

The index for primary articles group rose by 0.5 percent

to 301.7 from 300.3 for the previous week. The

annual rate of infl ation, calculated on point to point

basis, stood at 17.21 percent for the week ended 29

May 2010 (over 30 May 2009) as compared to 16.89

percent for the previous week.

The index for ‘Food Articles’ group rose by 0.4 percent

to 296.4 from 295.1 for the previous week due to

higher prices of beef & buffalo meat (8%), fi sh-marine

(3%) and urad, fruits & vegetables, arhar and moong

(1% each). However, the prices of bajra (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Non-Food Articles’ group rose by 1.0

percent to 285.7 from 283.0 for the previous week

due to higher prices of fodder and raw rubber (6%

each), raw cotton (3%), castor seed (2%) and raw silk,

groundnut seed and cotton seed (1% each). However,

the prices of raw jute (4%), rape & mustard seed (2%)

and skins (raw) (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Minerals’ group declined by 1.3 percent

to 674.9 from 684.0 for the previous week due to

lower prices of vermiculite (29%), feldspar (8%), iron

ore (2%) and magnesite (1%). However, the prices of

chromite (28%) and barytes (1%) moved up.

Cashew production likely to hit this year

Cashew production likely to hit this year
Guinea Bissau: HGuinea Bissau: High temperatures


recorded in the country and military intervention in

April affect cashew season in Guinea Bissau. High

temperatures in April and May dried out the fl owers at

the peak of the season, will affect the yield of the crop.

Currently the industry is hoping to harvest at least the

last year’s fi gure of 136,000 tons, as compared to a

previous target of 150,000 tons. Cashews are Guinea

Bissau’s main export products and India is the main

market to buy the product. Guinea Bissau supplies

cashew nuts to the World during May – June – July.

Cambodia: Cashew harvest season ended in May in

Cambodia. In the current year, the Kompong Cham

province’s cashew yield had dropped by roughly a

quarter over the past year, from 40,000 tons to 30,000

tons. This decrease is due to replantation of a new

variety of cashew tree that is supposed to yield more

cashews, but it is still not ready to be harvested.

Hence the lack of cashew supply coupled with good

demand from Vietnam has brought the price of

cashew nuts to a new high. The price of cashews

increased from 3,500 riel (about 0.8 U.S. dollar) per

kg in February to 4,300 riel (1 U.S. dollar) per kg in

May. Last year cashew prices were at 2,800 riel per kg.

Vietnam: Vietnam cashew sector is facing a shortage

of nuts to process as the 2010 crop output has fallen by

15 percent, or 50,000 tons less than last year’s crop.

This was mainly due to the prolonged hot and sunny

Cashew production likely to hit this year

weather, which stunts the plant growth, especially

when it fl owers, which subsequently results in fewer

tons per acre. With a 15-percent decrease in the

cashew output, Vinacas forecasts that this year the

country will have to import 300,000 tons of raw

cashew nuts, 50,000 tons more than 2009. The price

for cashew nuts also increases as demand for cashew

products is rising sharply in the US and Europe.

India: Unfavourable weather this year has reduced

cashew nut production by at least 35 per cent in Goa.

The winter was warm during fl owering stage and

cloudy skies persisted later during fruit formation.

Hence the rains in December and a short winter

brought down this season’s production by around 26

per cent to 17,000 tons from around 23,000 tons.

Things are not very different other states too.

Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also reported

a shortage in excess of 35 per cent over last year.

Orissa also suffered a burning heat wave (more

than 40 degree Celsius) in the entire region during

the harvesting stage because of “para”. Hence the

production level has gone down. Harvesting has

got over almost in entire cashew growing areas

and the fi nal production fi gures are yet to come.

Other centres in Goa, Maharashtra and Orissa

report 75 to 85 pc crops. Therefore overall

availability in the global scenario could mean

at least 200000 metric tons less available.
FOB Prices of cashew nut in USD /lb (Cochin/Tuticorin)


Grades 06/12/10 06/19/10

W-240 3.15 3.15

W-320 2.90-2.95 2.90-2.95

W-450 2.75-2.80 2.75-2.80

WS/FS 2.45-2.50 2.45-2.50

WB/FB 2.45-2.50 2.45-2.50

SW320 2.80 2.80

SW360 2.70 2.70

SSW 2.25 2.25

LP/LWP 1.70 1.70

Note: W = Whole White, SW = Scorched Wholes, SSW =

Scorched Wholes Seconds, LWP = Large White Pieces,

WS = White Splits, WB = White Butts, FS = Fancy

Splits, FB = Fancy Butts, SS = Scorched Splits, SB =

Scorched Butts, SP = Scorched Pieces, LP = Large Pieces

Average FOB prices (USD /lb) of W-320 grade

Cashew market was steady in week 24. Fair amount

of business was done to several markets. However,

the prices were more or less unchanged at previous

levels. The FOB price for W-320 grade kernels was

stood steady at 2.90-2.95 per lb for the second

consecutive week.

CASHEW BULLETIN

Cashew Bulletin


A little more activity was seen this week in Europe

as the Euro strengthened and prices from origin

dropped a little. Inventories remain tight and the

pattern of short-term cover continues. The next few

weeks could remain very quiet as we approach the

holiday season for the Europeans not to mention the

distraction of the World Cup. Further distraction and

some nervousness have been added by the news that

a couple of UK trading houses has gone out of business.

This is no surprise and was predicted in the

Cashew Bulletin some months ago. Will there be a

domino effect? Had those fi rms major commitments

on cashew kernels? Only time will tell.

There will be little change in the fundamentals over

the coving twelve weeks as the next harvests are

in Sept/Oct in Brazil and Indonesia. It will be about

demand for now and just how well the busy season

in Asia and the Middle East goes closely followed by

cover for the run into the end of the year in Europe

and the USA. For the time being demand is not

promising and there are the ingredients for a price

correction in the marketplace. The next move looks

largely dependent on the management of RCN stockpiles

and the timing of the next wave of cover taking.

FCA Rotterdam Prices (USD / lbs)

FCA Rotterdam Prices (USD / lbs)


Grades 06/12/10 06/19/10

W 240 3.25-3.30 3.30

W 320 3.05-3.10 3.05-3.10

W 450 2.85

International Cashew Market Commentary 22-10-10

International Cashew Market Commentary

CASHEW WEEK


International Cashew Market Commentary

Mr. Kim, Khiem Nguyen Co., Vietnam

Not much being improved on the market in term of

demands as well as selling ideal during the week.

Small and medium sellers sold W240 at USD 3.05,

W320 at USD 2.85, WS at USD 2.40, LP at USD 1.72

per lb Fob for June to USA market meanwhile the

demand the EU market was small not remarkable.

Reliable sellers not reduce their ideal prices ie W240

at USD 3.20/3.25, W320 at USD 3.00/3.05, W450 at

USD 2.80/2.85, Lbw320 at USD 2.75/2.80, WS at USD

2.45/2.50, DW at USD 2.50/2.52, LP at USD 1.80 per

lb fob for July and August without fi rm buying interests.

It is reported that some sales have made during

the week for forward shipment with good prices

sold by the top and reliable sellers but we are unsure

about this as right now buyers were/are reluctant

to buy for forward with current market levels as cashews

are being considered most expensive to endusers.

Moreover, roasters/manufacturers are not

ready to order big quantity from importers because

of fl uctuating demands and prices making them reluctant

to give their full hands to importers. Most

of the activities have been moved forwards were

short and fast demands from buyers for prompt shipments

with reasonable prices and if being offered

at high prices buyers would recall their steps back

and watch the markets. Meanwhile reliable sellers

are not much hurry to sell as they had been learn

that market would be warm up with good prices due

to good demands in the coming time when buyers

will have to buy large quantity to meet the demand

from roasters/manufacturers. Furthermore, there

are some shorts from the 2010’s crop in all origins,

thus leading to demand over supply will make market

more positive. All datum given are only for information

but we are unsure about if this is right or not

and we are sure that who has much patience will be

the winner, buyer or seller? Time will tell.Exact the consumer prices index in May as follows:


The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers

(CPI-U) declined 0.2 percent in May on a seasonally

adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

reported today. Over the last 12 months, the index

increased 2.0 percent before seasonal adjustment.

For the second month in a row a decline in the energy

index accounted for the seasonally adjusted decrease

in the all items index. The index for energy

decreased 2.9 percent in May and more than offset a

slight increase in the index for all items less food and

energy. The food index was unchanged. Within the

energy component, the gasoline index accounted for

most of the decrease, although all the major energy

indexes declined.

The index for all items less food and energy increased

0.1 percent in May, posting a monthly increase for

only the second time this year. Contributing to the

May rise were increases in a number of indexes including

shelter, used cars and trucks, tobacco, apparel,

and medical care. The index has increased 0.9

percent over the last 12 months.

The food index was unchanged in May after increasing

0.2 percent each of the last two months. The

food away from home index rose 0.1 percent while

the foods at home index was unchanged. Within the

food at home group, declines in the indexes for fruits

and vegetables and for nonalcoholic beverages offset

increases in the other major grocery store food

group indexes. The fruits and vegetables index fell

1.1 percent after declining 0.2 percent in April. The

index for nonalcoholic beverages declined 0.8 percent.

The index for meats, poultry, fi sh, and eggs

rose 0.4 percent due to increases in the beef and

pork indexes. The index for other food at home rose

0.3 percent, and the indexes for cereals and bakery

products and for dairy and related products both

increased 0.2 percent. For the past 12 months the

food index has risen 0.7 percent, with the index for

food at home up 0.3 percent and the index for food

away from home up 1.1 percent.

Vietnam’s May export fi gure was estimated over

15,000 tons of kernels valued at USD millions 81, a

2.9 % increase compared to April’s fi gure.Exact the consumer prices index in May as follows:


The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers

(CPI-U) declined 0.2 percent in May on a seasonally

adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

reported today. Over the last 12 months, the index

increased 2.0 percent before seasonal adjustment.

For the second month in a row a decline in the energy

index accounted for the seasonally adjusted decrease

in the all items index. The index for energy

decreased 2.9 percent in May and more than offset a

slight increase in the index for all items less food and

energy. The food index was unchanged. Within the

energy component, the gasoline index accounted for

most of the decrease, although all the major energy

indexes declined.

The index for all items less food and energy increased

0.1 percent in May, posting a monthly increase for

only the second time this year. Contributing to the

May rise were increases in a number of indexes including

shelter, used cars and trucks, tobacco, apparel,

and medical care. The index has increased 0.9

percent over the last 12 months.

The food index was unchanged in May after increasing

0.2 percent each of the last two months. The

food away from home index rose 0.1 percent while

the foods at home index was unchanged. Within the

food at home group, declines in the indexes for fruits

and vegetables and for nonalcoholic beverages offset

increases in the other major grocery store food

group indexes. The fruits and vegetables index fell

1.1 percent after declining 0.2 percent in April. The

index for nonalcoholic beverages declined 0.8 percent.

The index for meats, poultry, fi sh, and eggs

rose 0.4 percent due to increases in the beef and

pork indexes. The index for other food at home rose

0.3 percent, and the indexes for cereals and bakery

products and for dairy and related products both

increased 0.2 percent. For the past 12 months the

food index has risen 0.7 percent, with the index for

food at home up 0.3 percent and the index for food

away from home up 1.1 percent.

Vietnam’s May export fi gure was estimated over

15,000 tons of kernels valued at USD millions 81, a

2.9 % increase compared to April’s fi gure.

Sri. Venkatesh, KANCO SOUTHWEST ENTERPRISES,

Sri. Venkatesh, KANCO SOUTHWEST ENTERPRISES,


Mangalore

• The price of CNSL loose was remained steady at

Rs.21 per kg at Ex- Mangalore.

• The price of Cardanol at Ex- Mangalore also was

steady this week at Rs.44 per kg.

Market Commentary from experts :

Sri. Giridhar Prabhu, Achal Cashews Private Limited,


Mangalore

Market has reached a subdued phase due to lack of

enquiries and interest in overseas markets. Exporters

with positions could be comfortable. There is a natural

phase during the second quarter of the year when

myriad exporters have to deal with large amount of raw

cashews and contend with arrivals from West Africa.

The apparent news on worries in Europe and problems

in OECD countries on growth with threats of

recession and macroeconomic problems creates a

negative feeling for an item like cashews. On the

other hand raw material prices which keep going

up, costs which escalate in developing countries,

logistics diffi culties, quality problems do

not permit any drastic reduction in kernel prices

which is usually a stimulant for consumption.

Prices are likely to be stagnant for next six weeks

unless a major processor or buying nation enters

the spot market and wipes off the existing

material and triggers an enthusiasm for price.

In Mangalore, speculative sales for next month have

already begun from high quality sellers. This creates

a position for the future and apparently manufacturers

of good quality are literally sold out for next ten

days. Brokens are in heavy shortage, especially splits.

Demand is there apparently from W 180 to Baby Bits.

RCN is in demand, especially good quality. Overall,

rainfall is cheerful all over India with a very good distribution.

Therefore, the perception of drought disappears

and irrigation and electricity dams are getting

infl ows. If rainfall distribution is good and rains get copious

where they ought to be the Indian economy will

expand overall with a possibility of growth of over 6 to

8 per cent from agriculture, which has eluded India.
Market Commentary from experts : Indian Cashew Market Commentary
Sri. Pankaj Sampat, SAMSONS TRADING CO, Mumbai


Cashew market was steady in week 24. Fair amount

of business was done to several markets. Prices were

more or less unchanged – W240 around 3.15, W320

around 2.95, W450 around 2.80 FOB. As usual, some

processors sold at lower levels and some were able to

sell at higher levels. Indian domestic market moved

up a bit on broken grades, but no much on wholes.

There was not much activity in the RCN market.

Traders are selling small lots, holding on for their

prices (close to 1100 for Bissau and around 900 for

IVC). As there is not much good quality stock available

with origin suppliers, processors who have not

bought enough are paying the higher prices. As shipments

have been slow, it is still not possible to have

realistic estimate of the shortage but we feel that

it will be near the lower end of the trade estimates

(ranging from 7 to 12%).

As mentioned in earlier reports, despite a long period

of inactivity, there has not been any big selling

pressure that we normally see when market is quiet

for even couple of weeks. Although some processors

did sell at lower levels, larger proportion seems to

be willing to wait & make sales when some buyers

came in to pay the levels they wanted. Reduced kernel

availability and the continued nearby buying by

some market or the other gives processors the comfort

of being able to sell when they want to.

On the buying side, there still does not seem to be

confi dence amongst buyers to build inventory or forward

positions. They are content to buy limited volumes

on hand to mouth basis. This means that there

is some buying interest almost always. Although the

fact of reduced availability is accepted by all stakeholders,

buyers do not seem to fear any big squeeze.

Currency volatility + fi nancial constraints + recent

developments in other nuts is making people more

cautious. We see these external reasons as the only

bearish factor in the market.

Currently, there seems to be fair amount of buying

interest in the middle of 2.80-3.00 range with buying

resistance when prices come close to 3.00 and selling reluctance when prices drop close to 2.80.


As we enter the peak Asian consumption period, we

can reasonably expect fi rmness in the market & increased

volatility due to the spot buying nature of

these markets. If there is need for any large contracting

in this period, we could see prices break the

current range.

How many calories in cashew nuts?

How many calories in cashew nuts?

Are sugars in cashew nuts?

Are sugars in cashew nuts?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Cashew rises on fresh buying

Cashew prices rose by Rs 5 per kg in the national capital today on the back of fresh buying by retailers and stockists.
Restricted supplies from the growing regions also supported the upside in prices. Cashew kernel No 180, No 210, No 240 and No 320 rose by Rs 5 each to settle at Rs 495-500, Rs 470-480 Rs 385-395 and Rs 370-385 per kg, respectively.
Marketmen said increased buying by retailers and stockists, against tight stocks position pushed up cashew prices.
Following are today's quotations in Rs per 40 kg:
Almond (California) new Rs 10,500 Almond (gurbandi-new)Rs 4,600-4,700 almond (girdhi) Rs 2,200-2,300 and Abjosh Afghani Rs 7,000-16,000
Almond kernel in per kg (California) Rs 360-365, almond kernel (gurbandi-new) (kg) Rs 300-375

Thursday, June 17, 2010

TRUE CAUSES BEHIND THE COLLAPSE OF MOZAMBIQUE'S CASHEW NUT INDUSTRY

TRUE CAUSES BEHIND THE COLLAPSE OF MOZAMBIQUE'S CASHEW NUT INDUSTRY

MANGALORE CASHEW PRICES

TIN : 11.340 KG.
             AVG    SPL
W180    5800   5950
W210    5000   5200
W240    4250   4450
W320    3750   3950
W1        3625   3825
SW        3500   3700
SSW      3375   3575
DW        2600   2750
KW        2600   2750
JH           3350   3500
S             3200   3350
K            3000   3150
LWP       2850   3050
SP           2800   2950
SWP       2700   2850
SPS         2400   2550
SSP         2350   2450
DS          2050    2200
DP1        2700    2850
DP2        1300    1450
BB          1700    1850

Inquiry about CASHEW NUT Malaysia

We are looking for W320 Cashewnut in Vacum Tin packed crops 2010. Pls forward yr sample & Quatation. TQ

Mr. yh Choo

Ngan Yin Groundnuts Factory sN BHD
Tel: 60-05-4652266
Fax: 60-05-4652288
Address: Malaysia

Cashew exports improve in May: CEPC

Cashew exports improve in May: CEPC

No eviction notices at Cashew Gardens Thursday, June 17 2010

NO EVICTION notices have been served to persons occupying State land at Cashew Gardens, Longdenville despite pronouncements by Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal that notices were prepared by the Commissioner of State Lands and would be served to squatters.

Meanwhile, the man at the centre of the so-called “land grab”, Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis said yesterday that the five-acre plot of state land which he annexed for agricultural purposes was “a pilot project” designed to plant crops for the export market and to encourage youths to plant the land.

Persons were seen yesterday hurriedly constructing shacks despite inclement weather and the government’s stated intention to serve eviction notices to reclaim the state land.

Alexis yesterday urged government to talk with the affected persons in an effort to regularise the situation. “I have a business plan for this area and this is to be seen as a pilot project for a year or two years, and if they are not satisfied, they can take back the lease,” he said, adding that his goal was to put 300 acres under agricultural production.

Alexis pointed to a notebook which he said contained the names of some 300 persons who indicated their willingness to work on the “agricultural estate” and be assigned portions of land. Justin Fabien said one of the reasons for the sudden land grab was an alleged promise during the General Election campaign by the People’s Partnership to regularise squatters. “This is the voice of the people and they want the land,” Fabien said, adding if Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was not intent on keeping that campaign promise, she should not have made it in the first place. “My father told me, ‘talk little so if you have to eat your words later, you won’t choke on it’,” Fabien said.

He called on Minister of the People and Social Development, Dr Glenn Ramadhar-singh to visit the area and speak to the people. He said Government could gain “a lot of points” on how it handles this situation, especially with Local Government elections expected this year.