harvested raw cashew, sell raw to trader or process kernels myself, which earns more Konkan
3 Answers
You have two routes. Selling raw cashew nut to traders or processing factories is simpler and gives quick payment, but the raw nut rate swings a lot year to year and you capture only the raw value. Processing your own nuts into roasted kernels and selling them, especially directly or under your own small brand, captures much more value and is where many Konkan growers earn well, but it needs roasting and shelling equipment or labour, skill to avoid breakage, and effort to find buyers. Many small growers start by selling raw and gradually add processing. Out turn, the kernel recovery percentage, decides your raw nut rate, so dry and grade the nuts well. Check current raw nut rates with local traders and visit a small processing unit before deciding, and verify any food licensing needed if you sell processed kernels.
Raw nut rate goes up and down so much that I started roasting and selling kernels myself to shops and online. The margin is far better but it is daily work and you must avoid breaking the kernels.
If you have no time for processing, just dry the raw nut well and sell to a known factory, the better the out turn the better your rate. Wet or badly dried nut gets cut.