This museum in Puttur gives complete information on cashew

The only cashew museum in the state, also the biggest in country, set up at the National Cashew Research Centre in Puttur, is all set to be dedicated to the world.

The museum, set up with the support of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana at a total cost of Rs 60 lakh, is yet to be inaugurated. To create awareness on cashew cultivation, new technologies, varieties of cashew species, a modern plant health clinic museum on cashew was developed by incorporating modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) in Puttur.

The museum is developed as an interactive tool of learning, informs Dr M G Nayak, In-charge Director of DCR. The museum is developed to create awareness and disseminate information on cashew cultivation in India. The mural paintings on the history of cashew, commercial aspects of cashew with processing, marketing, export, import and others adorn the walls of the museum, Nayak told DH.

The museum provides information on the facilities available at the DCR, cashew varieties developed at the DCR and achievements of the Directorate in the past 30 years. Since 2019, the DCR has released two varieties of cashew — Hybrid 130 and a dwarf variety called “Netra Vaman.” Dr Nayak says the museum is a one-stop-centre providing visitors all relevant information about cashew cultivation and processing.

Custom-made software

The plant health can be compared with images and videos available in the kiosk through different custom-made software for pest attack, diseases affecting cashew crop and trees and nutrient deficiency symptoms in trees. In addition, there is information on crop management and crop protection. All scientists in the DCR had contributed to make the museum a reality, he added. A model of a cottage industry provides information on modern cashewnut processing, grading of nuts and other details. There is also information about making juice from cashew apple, jam, jelly, chyavanprash, availability of vitamins and nutrients in cashew. A model on fenny production also finds a place in the museum. The glass enclosures in the museum showcases varieties of cashew nuts.

Further, the museum has a press button information board. With the touch of a button, information is available for visitors especially on the popular varieties of cashew, qualities of each variety and so on. The storytelling board engages visitors by presenting information in an audiovisual format. All publications of DCR in the past 30 years had been displayed in the museum.

At the museum’s entrance, emphasis is given to Tulu Nadu’s iconic symbols like Yakshagana, Kambala, Bhootakola and Puttur temple fair art works.