The distribution of gratuity benefits for retired cashew workers has commenced under the Keralam government’s 100-day action plan, covering 854 retirees from CAPEX and the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).Minister for Forests, Wildlife, and Cashew Industry Shibu Baby John inaugurated the distribution ceremony held at the CAPEX factory at Perumpuzha in Kollam on Friday (August 21, 2026).Gratuity settlements are currently being disbursed to 854 workers who retired from CAPEX factories during 2021 and 2022 and those who retired from KSCDC factories in 2023 and 2024.During the event, Mr. John also launched the market rollout of innovative value-added cashew products, including cashew-apple soda and processed cashew nuts in five flavours. The venture aims at maximising the market for value-added products, creating additional revenue streams for both the industry and its workforce.Speaking at the function, Minister for Culture and Tourism P.C. Vishnunadh promised that the government would actively intervene to ensure more working days for cashew labourers, enabling them to meet the minimum threshold required for ESI benefits.The inaugural ceremony was presided over by N.K. Premachandran, MP, with Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, district panchayat member Vinithakumari, and grama panchayat president Sindhu Gopan addressing the gathering. Published - August 21, 2026 06:53 pm IST