Introduction to Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) #
Cashew is one of the major export-oriented agricultural products of India. The country is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cashew kernels, accounting for over 50% of the global production and 65% of the global trade. The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) is a non-profit organization established in 1955 to promote the export of cashew kernels and its allied products from India. CEPCI plays a vital role in the development and growth of the cashew industry in India. In this article, we will discuss the functions, initiatives, and achievements of CEPCI in promoting the export of cashew and its allied products from India.
Functions of CEPCI #
The CEPCI has been entrusted with several important functions to promote the export of cashew and its allied products from India. Some of these functions are as follows:
- Market Development: CEPCI is responsible for the promotion and development of the market for cashew and its allied products in India and abroad. It conducts market surveys, participates in international trade fairs, and organizes buyer-seller meets to explore new markets and expand the existing ones.
- Quality Control: CEPCI is responsible for ensuring the quality of cashew and its allied products exported from India. It has established a Quality Control Laboratory to test the quality of cashew kernels and its allied products as per international standards.
- Research and Development: CEPCI encourages research and development in the cashew industry to improve the quality, productivity, and profitability of the industry. It has established a research and development wing to promote research and development activities in the industry.
- Training and Skill Development: CEPCI provides training and skill development programs to the stakeholders of the cashew industry to enhance their knowledge and skills in the areas of production, processing, quality control, and marketing.
- Policy Advocacy: CEPCI represents the cashew industry in various national and international forums and advocates policies and measures to promote the growth and development of the industry.
Initiatives by CEPCI #
The CEPCI has taken several initiatives to promote the export of cashew and its allied products from India. Some of the major initiatives are as follows:
- Market Development: CEPCI has undertaken several initiatives to develop and expand the market for cashew and its allied products. It has participated in various international trade fairs and exhibitions such as Anuga, Sial, and Gulfood to showcase the quality of Indian cashew and its allied products to the international buyers. It has also organized buyer-seller meets in different countries to facilitate direct interaction between the Indian exporters and the international buyers.
- Quality Control: CEPCI has established a state-of-the-art Quality Control Laboratory to test the quality of cashew kernels and its allied products as per international standards. The laboratory is equipped with modern testing facilities and is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- Research and Development: CEPCI has established a research and development wing to promote research and development activities in the cashew industry. The wing has undertaken several research projects to improve the quality, productivity, and profitability of the industry. It has also collaborated with several research institutes and universities to promote research and development in the industry.
- Training and Skill Development: CEPCI conducts training and skill development programs for the stakeholders of the cashew industry to enhance their knowledge and skills in the areas of production, processing, quality control, and marketing. It also provides financial assistance to the industry for conducting training programs.
- Policy Advocacy: CEPCI represents the cashew industry in various national and international forums and advocates policies and measures to promote the growth and development of the industry. It has been instrumental in persuading the government to provide various incentives and subsidies to the cashew industry,
Achievements of CEPCI #
The CEPCI has made significant achievements in promoting the export of cashew and its allied products from India. Some of its major achievements are as follows:
- Increase in Export: The CEPCI has played a vital role in increasing the export of cashew and its allied products from India. The country’s cashew exports have increased from 53,843 metric tons worth Rs. 4,228 crores in 2010-11 to 105,597 metric tons worth Rs. 8,580 crores in 2019-20.
- Market Diversification: CEPCI has been successful in diversifying the market for cashew and its allied products. The country’s exports of cashew kernels have increased to over 80 countries, including the USA, UAE, Netherlands, Vietnam, and Germany. CEPCI has also initiated steps to tap the non-traditional markets in South America and Africa.
- Quality Assurance: The establishment of the Quality Control Laboratory by CEPCI has helped to ensure the quality of cashew and its allied products exported from India. This has increased the trust of the international buyers in the quality of Indian cashew.
- Promotion of Research and Development: The research and development wing of CEPCI has undertaken several research projects to improve the quality, productivity, and profitability of the cashew industry. This has led to the development of new varieties of cashew, improved production techniques, and value addition to the cashew by-products.
- Skill Development: CEPCI has conducted several training programs for the stakeholders of the cashew industry to enhance their knowledge and skills in the areas of production, processing, quality control, and marketing. This has led to the adoption of modern technologies and practices by the industry.
Conclusion #
The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) has played a vital role in promoting the export of cashew and its allied products from India. Its functions, initiatives, and achievements have helped to increase the export of cashew, diversify the market, ensure the quality of cashew, promote research and development, and enhance the skills of the stakeholders of the industry. The council has been successful in establishing India as the leading producer and exporter of cashew kernels in the world. With the continued support of CEPCI, the cashew industry in India is poised to achieve further growth and development in the coming years.