Challenges encountered by cashew nut processing industry

Abstract

Tamandu has emerged as one of India's premier cashew nut producers and processors. The thriving export potential and robust local demand have fueled the rapid expansion of the cashew industry in this region. With approximately 675 cashew nut processing units scattered across Tamil Nadu, these establishments have primarily embraced labor-intensive operations, offering valuable employment opportunities to rural communities. However, it's worth noting that only 576 processing units have managed to contribute data for this study. The collected data predominantly revolves around challenges related to various facets of cashew nut processing, including activity-based challenges, issues concerning workers' families, social problems, worker hygiene challenges, hurdles encountered within the processing units, as well as difficulties tied to workers' wages and benefits. Furthermore, the investigation into occupational health, ergonomic considerations, and the development of ergonomically designed work equipment in small and medium-scale cashew nut processing units in Tamil Nadu has remained largely unexplored. As a result, this research seeks to shed light on the risk of musculoskeletal issues prevalent in these cashew processing units, aiming to address an important aspect of workers' well-being in this vital industry.