ECONOMIC PROSPECTS

INDUSTRIES.

Though no large industries can be developed in the district there is a considerable potential for the development of small industries. Cashew-nut and mangoes are the instances in view. Mangoes and cashew-nuts are the most valuable products of this region in as much as they are exchange earners of the country. There are three factories in the southern part of the district engaged in decortication of cashew-nuts. Their number can be increased if the contemplated scheme of bringing more area under cashew-nut plantation is successful. So also cashew-nut shells which are burnt in the proceessing of cashew-nut, contain about 30 to 35 per cent, oil, known for its high phenolic content. This liquid is used as raw material for manufacture of phenolic resins of special grade, varnishes and marine paints. In the drum roasting technique, which is followed by these factories, the liquid obtainable from cashew-nut shell is mostly burnt. If the local industry adopts the oil bath method of processing cashew-nut, higher percentage of better cashew-nut shell liquid can be recovered.

Fruit canning.

Canning of slices in syrups and mango pulp has got ample scope for development, since these products have big market in Bombay, United Kingdom and the Middle Eastern countries. The district with its suitable climate for mango-growing can satisfy the overseas demand for these products if more and more land is brought under mango cultivation.

Fisheries.

Since the district has a large coast line of about 250 miles, fishing is one of the most important industries of the district. There are about 120 coastal villages engaged in fishing and the estimated fish catch is about 3,50,000 maunds per year. The scope for increasing production of fish is certainly large as both inland and sea water fisheries are under-developed. The main problems faced by fishermen are lack of finance, inadequate transport and market facilities and lack of modern methods of fishing. These fishermen who are hereditary artisans are very poor and are always in the grip of middlemen for finance. Mechanisation of indigenous fishing crafts which enables them to extend their fishing activities in the sea and increases the frequency of visits to fishing grounds is another problem faced by them. Of the 3,700 fishing boats in the district very few are mechanised. It is therefore very necessary to introduce power crafts with adequate gear for exploitation of fish resources. Financial assistance by Government is necessary for mechanisation of fishing equipment and accessories along with the development of ports. In addition to these requirements, training of young fishermen in mechanical and modern methods of fishing will help them to drive power crafts required for fish catch. Improvement of fish curing facilities will better the quality of fish cured and establishment of cold storage plants will keep the fish fresh for a long time. All these facilities are required for the development of fishing industry.

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