Bharat Agri Development Farmers Producer Company Ltd., an FPO based in Vittal, Mangalore, was granted a licence to produce Cashew Special, a foliar nutrient formulation. The micronutrient formulation was developed by a team of scientists led by Dr. Shamsudheen M, Former Principal Scientist (Soil Science) at the ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur. The licence was issued under the Government of Karnataka’s PM RKVY-RAFTAAR project, “Development of Model Cashew Villages for Transforming Farm Livelihoods in Karnataka”. Dr J Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, officially inaugurated the Cashew Special Production Unit at the FPO’s Vittal office on 12th November, 2026.
During the inaugural programme, Dr. J Dinakara Adiga explained the importance of the micronutrient formulation in increasing cashew yields. He envisaged the need for timely application of the nutrient formulation to improve vegetative growth, fruit and nut set. He urged the FPO to make good use of the opportunity and provide good quality products to the farmers and other interested stakeholders. Dr Veena G L, Senior Scientist (Spices, Plantation, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) and one of the formulation’s developers, emphasised that Cashew Special supplements key micronutrients along with secondary nutrients such as Potassium and Magnesium and is expected to increase yield by 25-30% in terms of both nut and apple yield. Dr Aswathy Chandrakumar, Scientist (Agricultural Extension) and Principal Investigator of the PM RKVY-RAFTAAR project, highlighted that the project aims to popularise advanced technologies in Cashew and strengthen linkages among farmers, farmer producer organisations, and research institutions through such initiatives. Shri Prasad Shetty, Managing Director of Bharat Agri Development Farmers Producer Company Ltd., in his address, informed the farmers to make the best use of the opportunities extended under the Government scheme and highlighted the importance of such collaborations in promoting improved agricultural technologies and supporting farming communities.
Farmers, media personnel, and FPO staff attended the function, marking an important step toward strengthening collaboration between ICAR-DCR and Bharat Agri Development to promote scientific cashew cultivation and disseminate improved agricultural inputs and technologies among farming communities.