Number of cashew processing units that operated in Kerala two years ago, with nearly 80% in Kollam district, known world over for export of cashew kernels.

Number of units that have been forced to shut down over last 2 years due to a 2 fold increase in the prices of kernels and 5 fold increase in the price of raw nut. With such steep increase in prices, operation of units are not financially viable.

Number of people employed by these units across the state, most of them women. Closures have meant the women have now been left without jobs.