EXAMINING IMPACT OF CASHEW NUT PROCESSING INDUSTRIES ON VILLAGE ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM ASSAM OF NORTH EAST INDIA

Abstract

This research article examines the impact of cashew nut processing industries on village economy of Assam.Dhubri district in Assam of North East India is identified as one of the model districts for commercialisation of cashew sector as sixteen cashew nut processing units are running in the district. An attempt has been made in this article to examine the impact of cashew nut processing industries on village economy of Dhubri District of Assam. It is found from the study that availability of raw materials and availability of cheap labour are the two main reasons for agglomeration of cashew nut processing industries in Mankachar of Dhubri district. Using the methodology of village Social Accounting Matrix it is found that there is sufficient linkage between the cashew nut processing industry and the input supplying neighbouring villages. The input supplying villages has been able to derive benefits from the cashew nut processing industries in terms of output enhancement, income increase and employment generation.