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Except for few illegal local distillers who were utilizing the cashew apples to brew a heady drink, these fruits were usually discarded after collecting nuts.  This stamp of approval by the brewers left Tomichan, Tharappel, Manimala, Vaniappara, Irutti, Kannur wondering why the same raw material could not be used to make soft drinks.

He shared the thought with the local Agricultural Officer, who in turn introduced him to Krishi Vijnan Kendra, Thaliparamba.

Following the six-month training in production of value added items from cashew apples, Tomichan was ready, both technically and motivationally, to plunge into the production and marketing of these items.  He took a loan of Rs.2 lakh from the bank and purchased necessary machinery.  The manufacturing unit was set up close to his home.  The first year’s production was distributed among friends and neighbourhood shops.

Following positive feedback, he decided to take the plunge.  From February 1997, Tomco Cashew Apple Products are being marketed.  The raw material is gathered from local farmers at the rate of Rs.2 per kg.  After selling 1 kg of cashew nut for Rs.40, the local farmer will be left with approximately 50 apples, which when sold to Tomichan would fetch them an almost equal amount.  Thus farmers would get twice the price they were getting earlier.

Last year 5 lakh bottles of syrup and soft drinks were manufactured.  They were well received in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Karnataka.  Following a bad experience last year, he intents to take up the distributorship in addition to manufacturing.

Tomco is more of a family venture than an individual effort.  His father Kuryachan, mother Kuttamma, siblings Biju, Jils, Joseph and wife Sindhu are sparing no effort to ensure the success of the venture.

Courtesy: Karshakashree, March 2009
Contributed by: Administrator

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