MARGAO, May 17 -- The Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC)'s renewed push to expand cashew plantations and set up a Cashew Board has reopened a wider debate over the future of Goa's cashew economy, with growers, distillers and agricultural voices warning that the State's orchard ecosystem is steadily shrinking, ageing and becoming increasingly dependent on fruit sourced from outside Goa.

Recently, GFDC chairperson Deviya Rane announced plans to strengthen the sector through plantation expansion, value-addition initiatives and a proposed Cashew Board aimed at boosting the industry. Rane said the initiatives were intended to strengthen Goa's traditional cashew economy while encouraging long-term growth and value addition linked to the...