Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre said that Rs 1 crore will be sanctioned for developing cashew saplings in nurseries through forest department and KSCDC, to be distributed among farmers at a subsidised rate There is immense potential for cashew cultivation in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Quality grafted cashew saplings will be developed through nurseries to be distributed among farmers, he said after inaugurating two-day cashew mela organised by Karnataka State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) at Kadri Park in Mangaluru on Sunday. Cashew was a major commercial crop in the coastal belt in the past. However, over a period of time, the cashew production has reduced due to various reasons. After endosulfan related incidents, the cashew cultivation was reduced. The cashew industries are dependent on foreign countries especial South African countries for import. To promote cashew cultivation, the government will take measures to encourage them again and restore the sector’s past glory, he said.