Amaravati, January 25, 2026: In the forested hills of Rampachodavaram Agency in East Godavari district, tribal women once relied on exploitative middlemen to sell minor forest produce like cashews.
Now, through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) supported by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), they operate cashew-processing units that add value and create sustainable income.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Welfare funded 14 units across seven mandals with Rs 80 lakh. Two are already running at Pandirimamidi and Gangavaram where around 50 women per unit handle boiling, drying, shelling, and packing.
They earn Rs 300-350 daily plus profit shares. Processed kernels sell for Rs 700 per kg at local markets, including Rajamahendravaram and Vijayawada. With annual cashew output around 1,000 tonnes, groups aim to capture at least 30% directly.
