Belle Nagaraj Kamath - The Pioneer of Cashew Processing Industry in Moodubelle


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Pic & Report by Dr Eugene D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 11 April 2010: The credit of establishing the first cashew processing industry at Nellikatte in Moodubelle in 1999 under the name of Mahesh Cashew Industries belongs to Belle Nagaraj Kamath. Earlier, Nagaraj Kamath’s family had a grocery shop and gradually began to deal with raw cashew nuts. Their area of operation was right up to Bhatkal and Moodubidre-Kinnigoli acquiring raw nuts from the shops and supplying to B.R. Kamath and Sons Cashew Factory at Karkala, considered to be the largest in Karnataka.

Having been in the procurement of the raw cashew nuts business for quite a long time, Belle Nagaraj Kamath, who had studied up to PUC in St. Lawrence PU College at Moodubelle and was a commerce graduate (B.Com) from the MGM College, Udupi, decided to start his own processing cashew factory under the Khadi Gramodyog Scheme with government subsidy.

Belle Nagaraj Kamath says that, as he himself had come up in life with great economic difficulties and practically rose from nothing, he had a dream of providing employment to the poorer and marginalised section of the village population by starting some kind of gainful enterprise.  He could fulfil this dream by establishing the Mahesh Cashew Industries and later another cashew factory named Ashwini Cashew Industries at Arasikatte at Bantakal. In both these cashew factories, Nagaraj could provided employment to around 250 persons, most of whom are women.

According to Nagaraj, the cashew nut processing operations are carried on throughout the year. The raw nuts required for the processing are procured locally and from the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. Nagaraj also imports raw nuts from other countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa and Tanzania. On an average, the Mahesh Cashew Industries process around 40 bags of raw cashews nuts weighing about 3,500Kgs. The processed and graded cashew kernels are then filled in 65 tins of 10 Kgs each per day.

Nagaraj pointed out that the cashew nut processing operation has certain important stages. At the first stage, the raw cashew nuts are sun dried for two days and then stored. In the second stage, the required amount of nuts per day is steam-boiled. In the third stage, the girls who work in the cutting operation take the nuts from the boiler room to the cutting section and separate the kernels from the nut-shells. The cutting is done mechanically and the girls have to be quite careful during this operation. They take necessary precaution by applying castor oil to their hands and some of them even use gloves. After the process of cutting the kernels are separated from the nut-shells and the nut- shells are used as raw material for cashew nut oil mills.

In the fourth stage, the kernels are roasted in hot-chambers which look like huge cupboards through electric power with heat up to 80 degree Celsius. The fifth is the pealing stage in which the kernel is separated from the thin husk. Some of the women who are unable to spend an entire day in the factory can carry fixed amount of roasted cashew buts for pealing and return on the next day and take home another fresh lot.

The sixth stage is the grading stage during which the cashew kernel is sorted out according to its quality.  According to Nagaraj, as per the quality, the cashew kernel can be graded into 35 varieties. In the final stage, the cashew kernels are packed in tins according to their qualities indicated by embossed code letters and numbers indicating the quality of nuts contained in the tin. They are then sealed and labelled. Two tins containing the same quality of cashew nuts are then packed in a carton and kept ready for sending to the market by the dealer. The processed cashew from the Mahesh Cashew Industries is marketed in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. There is also provision for retail selling of smaller packets of cashew nuts in the factory. 

Belle Nagaraj Kamath says that there are around 150 cashew processing units in the Udupi District alone. These cashew factories are a boon for the villagers, especially for girls and women as they are given preference in the cashew processing units. They are given all monetary and other facilities. Transport is provided for picking up and dropping them at their residences. The workers are provided cheaper food through canteen facility. They are given monetary incentives such as Provident Fund (PF), Dearness Allowance (DA) and Bonus. They are also eligible for Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) in case of illness. The payment to the workers is done on weekly basis.

Belle Nagaraj Kamath a fine entrepreneur who has a human touch. Soft spoken and unassuming, Nagaraj had been active in cooperative movement. He was once the president of the Belle Cooperative Agricultural Bank (CA Bank). He was also member of the belle Grama Panchayat. As the president of the Old Students Association of the Church Aided Higher Primary School, Nagaraj had worked for the betterment of the school.

In 1995, Nagaraj married Namitha Kamath and has two lovely sons-Nikhil (13 years) and Vishwas (9 years) both studying in the St. Mary’s English medium School in Udupi.

Bellevision, while congratulating Belle Nagaraj Kamath for his entrepreneurship appreciates his attempt to provide employment to the poorer and marginalised section of the villagers and wishes him success in his future endeavours.

 

Comments on this Article
nayaz, hungarcutta udupi Thu, March-22-2018, 11:08
dear sir/madam i need some guide for to start cashew processing factory how to apply for loan from government and how to order the machinary and were can get raw material how much margin money need to start and how to do marketing please help me
muddassir, bangalore Wed, September-20-2017, 7:36

working on to start cashew processing unit in Bangalore, i would be grateful if get some of your invaluable inputs..hoping to get some

shalini vyavhare, indore[m.p] Thu, July-27-2017, 1:29

dear sir i want to start cashew processing on job work. please guide me in this. thanks

Asha Prabhu, Udupi Thu, January-26-2017, 2:16

Dear Sir, I am interested in setting up a small scale cashew nut factory. Would like to first act as a subcontract basis. We don t have any experince in it, but we want to start the business. We are ready to learn. Can you please guide us.

Akshay Kamath, Shimoga Fri, September-23-2016, 9:04

Dear sir, I am located in bangalore and doing dry fruit business since 4 years i am interested to trade with you please send me availability of your products of all grades most probably DP and DP 2 to my mail id akshay.kamath02@gmail.com thank you

Rohit Patel, Gujarat Sun, September-18-2016, 9:43
Hello sir. I am from Gujarat. I have my own cashew machinary. Bt now I want to do out cashew job work. Only for you can give me work on processing charges.. If you have interested plz mail me.. I want job work of cashew.
Shishir Joshi, Nashik, Maharashtra Mon, June-6-2016, 1:20
I have been working in food ingredients since 2006. I have visited around 80% of food industry to promote ingredient- hav contact at R D, Quality, production level. Hav you promoted your cashew to Indian food industry? kindly let me know, if intersted. Mob: 7350018231
Deepak, Bayana Sat, May-28-2016, 4:26
Dear Mr. Nagaraj, I have requirement of cashews of fine quality of approx. 1 tonnes. kindly send the details along with price list to my id. my contact no is 9481415177
Venkatesh Bangera, KANCO SOUTHWEST ENTERPRISES, Mulki, Mangalore Fri, March-11-2016, 5:32
congrats for your work achievement. being one of the Supplier, i always happy to work with you!
Raj Shah, rajkot Tue, August-4-2015, 3:54
i have requirement fine cashew 10MT w-240 w-320 w-400 NWP please send price my contech number is 91 9909990702
Chandrashekhar, Moodubelle Fri, June-26-2015, 6:11
Where can i buy cashew plants in udupi? Can anybody tell me
JANARDHAN, MYSORE Fri, February-6-2015, 4:54
we are dealers in dealing bakery requisites and catering to customers in around mysore .looking for a cashew supplier for our requirement.will be glad to hear from u and my contact no is 94480 67708
Amit Sharma, Nagpur, Maharshtra Wed, July-30-2014, 12:23
Dear Sir, I am very inspire to read this entire process. I also want to work in this process. It may be processing of cashew nuts or be a whole sealer of cashew nuts in Nagpur. Please guide me for both. I shall be always obelised to you. Please reply me for the same as soon as possible for further correspondence. With Regards Amit Sharma 09975320843
Mahendra Amin, Ranganapalke Tue, February-25-2014, 5:12
R/Sir, Presently I am working in a Pharmaceutical company as executive in Central Warehouse in Pune Maharashtra. I need a job in our native place bcoz my mothers health is not good, if there is a job related stores billing dept. pls inform me. Waiting for your reply. Thanking you. Yours faithfully Mahendra Amin Pune 919970664607
nagaraj bhat, nellikatte Fri, February-1-2013, 11:50
God bless u sir!!
H M Kamath, brahmavar Mon, August-15-2011, 1:25
Best of luck dear nagaraj
Santhoshkumar, Kollam ,Kerala Tue, August-9-2011, 12:05

Dear sir we are well known mfd for hand cashwew cutting mechine.

Karthik Kamath, Moodubelle Sun, July-17-2011, 8:01

Hi Nag bappa,I congratulate Nag bappa,becuase 0f great achievement in the field of cashew industry.His achievement helps for poor village people and others.AND I wishes that "BEST OF LUCK FOR THE FUTURE"

BHEEMARAJU N, BANGALORE Mon, June-7-2010, 3:13
we require all types of cashewnut in bulk quantity for regular supply contact Phone # 9972444939
Nithyananda Kamath, Belle/Bengaluru Tue, April-20-2010, 7:38
Heartiest Congratulations!Nagaraj Anna,for being a torch-bearer and a trend setter and I must mention two things: One:You had in you these qualities from begining which you have inherited from our father,I remember those childhod days,how our father struggled to bring us up. Two:We all must learn from you. You have proved the saying"Where there is a will there is a way" Kudos,Once again Regards Nithya
Varsha Varada Raj Kamath, Moodubelle Fri, April-16-2010, 6:55
Dear Nagraj Kamath, One of the top most bussiness holder of moodubelle.We wish that you may become one of the big exporter of cashewes.May god bless you.
Shweta Kamath, belle/ Mumbai/ Pune Thu, April-15-2010, 11:44
Its such a proud feeling to see our near and dear ones success stories being published. He is the perfect example of a balanced person, who has always strike a perfect balance in his personal professional as well as his social life. Just to let you know we all are proud of you and wish you all the success and blessings all along your way:)
Yogesh Kamath, Belle (native)/Mumbai (residence) Wed, April-14-2010, 8:22
Its provides me a great satisfaction to read about Mr Nagraj Kamath, he is my dad’s younger brother and has always been an inspiration to me. He has continuously guided me in my career. I have seen him contribute selflessly for the cause of the society; we need more such people in every village in India for its development. We are proud his achievements and thank him for working in the model of sustainable development for the betterment of Belle our native. I appreciate the work of the members who came together for this website which keeps us updated about the happenings in Belle and also recognises and further motivates the well doers to achieve greater ends.
Louis Alva, Kattingeri / Dubai Wed, April-14-2010, 6:58
Nice to read about Mr. Nagraj’s achievements . He is a very simple and soft spoken person from his childhood as we both were classmates. I am very happy about the progress he has done so far in this business I wish him all the best for his future plans . Nagraj you are a role model for our young Generation . keep it up and Good Luck !!! Thank you Dr. Eugene for sharing these pictures and report with BV.
Kalidas Bhandary, Sri Ganesh Cashew Industries patla Wed, April-14-2010, 6:28
Dear Mr. Nagaraj Kamath we are proud of your achivemnt in cashew industry field.we wish you greate success in future business also.
Victor D Souza, Moodubelle / Doha Tue, April-13-2010, 10:21
The success of Mr. Nagaraj Kamath would definitely encourage the Industrial growth in Moodubelle and surrounding villages. Of course the road to success is hard work as nicely written in the article by Dr. Eugene.
Edward Noronha, Moodubelle Tue, April-13-2010, 12:43
Wish you every sucess in your business
NAVEEN MENDONCA, PADUBELLE/BAHRAIN Mon, April-12-2010, 1:13
Dear Nagaraj nice to see you in photos,great achivement,good luck,wish you success in your business.Keep going.
Joel D sa, Moodubelle, Bahrain Mon, April-12-2010, 2:17
Commendable work Nagraj, well done , I have seen your hard work. Running business in this competetive field is not easy, but with your commitment hard work you have done a great job. may the almighty God bless you to reach greater hieghts.
valerian Lobo, Thirlapalke, Belle Mon, April-12-2010, 1:44
Dear Nagraj, Congratulations on your achievement. You have really strived hard to become a prosperous businessmen in our village. Keep up your Good work and Iam proud to be your classmate and a childhood neighour. Wish you future prospects and sucess in all your endeavours
benna, moodubelle,udupi Sun, April-11-2010, 9:49
well done Nagaraj congratulations on your achievements ,remember the days how we used to play together eat together .Wishing u every success all the best hope to see many factories at moodubelle
Vijay Dsouza, Moodubelle Sun, April-11-2010, 9:15
Wow ..... beautiful photos and fantastic profile of Mr.Nagraj. We all know Nagraj is a gentleman and we all should appreciate his efforts in providing employment to so many workers.
Francis Lobo, Goan Villa, Moodubelle. Sun, April-11-2010, 8:15
Indeed Mr Nagaraj is a fine gentleman, we have seen him since we were small. Thanks and keep going doing this good job, all the Best!
Alfred Vincent Monis, Bantakal,Kingdom of Bahrain Sun, April-11-2010, 3:05
Dear Kamat happy to see your progress, best of luck for the future. Vincy Monis - Bantakal
prince, podikambla/dubai Sun, April-11-2010, 2:17
Hay Nagu!!! nice to see you and your achievements on BelleVision. Wishing you every success in your business.Thanks to Dr Eugine for this imfomative article.Keep going... All the best...!
JOY LOBO, MOODUBELLE Sat, April-10-2010, 11:48
Dear Mr.Nagaraj, Best of luck for your carrier. Wish you success and all the best. This a credit to our belle village.
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