Shamal Redkar Prospers Through Cashew Processing

Mrs. Shamal Redkar from village Talwade in Sawantwadi block has set an example for others to follow. For the last nine years, she is running cashew processing unit successfully. Today she is well known woman entrepreneur in the district.

Sindhudurg district in Kokan region of Maharashtra is famous for its cashew. Though the district produces large quantity of cashew, yet there is great untapped potential of cashew processing. Cashew are procured during the months of February to May and stored for processing. However, due to lack of financial support, cashew processing was not viable and profitable at the household or small scale level. Mrs. Shamal Radkar has proved this assumption wrong.

Few years back, Mrs. Redkar had undergone training for cashew processing. She purchased required machinery for Rs. 65000/- through her own savings and started her household enterprise. Since she had no funds to procure raw cashew on a scale, her turnover and profit was low. In 2015-2016, NABARD provided revolving fund to 60 entrepreneurs for procuring raw cashew from the market. This fund was facilitated through LHWRF under UPNRM programme. Mrs. Shamal Redkar received loan of Rs. 1.25 lakhs for her enterprise. She devised her own plan for business. She started procuring one to two tons of raw material from the farmers, process it and sell it to the traders. The traders purchase good quality cashew directly from her home. This reduces the costs of transportation. This strategy worked and her business flourished. Her turnover increased from half ton per month to 5 ton per month.

Quality processing, marginal profit, transparent transactions and support from family members helped Mrs. Shamal Redkar to achieve new standards. In 2016-17, turnover of her enterprise crossed 30 lakh rupees. She earned profit of 2.40 lakhs in a year. What’s more, she has employed 8 needy women from the village. Mrs. Shamal has proved that a woman ca not only initiate business like cashew processing but also provide employment to other women.