The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the importation of 15,000 tons of cashew nuts in shells for this year.

According to the government, the country’s annual requirement of cashew nuts in shells is around 25,000 Metric Tons.

However, currently, only 12,500 Tons of cashew nuts can be procured locally and the cashew industry in the country is facing a very unfortunate situation as the crop has not been harvested as expected in the last season.

Therefore, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation to import a maximum of 15,000 tons of cashew nuts in shells for this year.

Approval has also been given to thereafter, import a quantity determined by a committee consisting of senior officials of the relevant ministries during the period from December to April when the local cashew harvest is not available in the next 4 years.