Mints of cash in cashew going abegging

by Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

Hardwork brings results: In 1989, A. R. Indrasena ventured into the cashew business while serving the country as a soldier. Today this small business has flourished and Indrasena is the Proprietor of Sandamalee Enterprises.

"When I was working in the Army, my wife initiated this business. We started in a small way. My wife started as self-employment and it was a part time job for me. After I retired in 2001, I got fully involved," he said.

He has been able to expand the business and at present it provides a turnover of rupees 2.5 million per month. " My daughter also helps in the business. We work hard to develop the business. There are twelve employees under me. The cashew processing is done manually. We use machines only for sealing," he said.

"The workforce can be found easily in Madawachchiya. A business like this creates employment and there are adequate workers. I also buy cashew from the growers in Siripura, Padawiya, Killinochchi, Mannar and Mulathivu. People hand over cashew and we make small packets and supply for the supermarkets," he explained.

"This business altogether creates around fifty indirect employment opportunities including those who bring cashew from their own gardens. I run my factory at home but the outlet is at Anuradhapura. People around the area supply us cashew," he said.

Indrasena has this business only in Anuradhapura district. He pointed out the inadequate production hinders the expansion of his business.

"Earlier, the market was not there for cashew but today there is a market. Cashew cultivation is not enough to meet the demand. In Anuradhapura there are plenty of bare lands. If they are used to cultivate cashew Sri Lanka can earn an income just like tea.

At his cashew outlet

Hard at work

About eight or nine years ago a kilo of cashew was rupees 325 then in 1998 the price increased to rupees 750. From there onwards the price kept on increasing," he explained.

Indrasena said that discussions have been held with the Government to increase the production.

"We are planning to utilize 50 acres of land for cashew cultivation. There are people to invest but land is a problem. The biggest cashew factory in Mannar is now closed down because of the situation in the country. Cashew grows in the dry zone and some growers have no way of sending them to town," he pointed out.

"I hope to reach other districts with my products. There is a good value and a good market for cashew. Together with cashew business there was a demand for cake ingredients.

So I started selling cake ingredients also," Indrasena is the only person who does cashew business in Anuradhapura. He said the negative attitude people had about the business have prevented them from venturing into this industry.

"I also make bites with rice flour and wheat flour. I like to share my knowledge with others. I provide centers for the people involved in cashew business to start up on their own. While doing the housework they can earn an income. Mostly women are involved," he said.

"This is a flourishing business. Private sector can improve it. Now the production is not enough even for the local market. We can export cashew if the production is increased. I am working with the Cashew Corporation. I will support the growers. They can get a good price," Indrasena said.

He also added that if the production increase the price will come down and even the poor can use cashew. "The farms that are closed should operate then we can increase the production. Industrial Development Board and Cashew Corporation helped me. Business for Peace Alliance also created a new market and made linkages to sell our products," he said.

Indrasena serves as the Director of Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is also the Director of Anuradhapura Micro and Small Enterprise development forum. "I hope to join with the Government and non-Government companies to develop the business and increase the staff up to fifty within this year," he added.