working conditions of the cashewnut workers

1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Cashew is one of the important plantation crop introduced in India during

the 16th centuary.Since the worlds demand for cashew kernels has been raising

steadily for several years in the past. Conferring significant price increases the

processing of cashew remains still a highly profitable industry. Further being

the earliest and the largest supplier of cashew kernels in the world markets.

India also enjoys a privileged position in the world.

As a countable item in our foreign exchange earning it has come to

occupy a place of prominence in its cultivation. Its cultivation is an important

horticultural activity in the country. The main cashew growing states in the

country are Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andrapradesh, Goa

and Pondicherry.

Cashew was introduced roughly about five hundred years ago by the

Portuguese for the purpose of checking soil erosion.

Cashew grow in bean- shaped shells attached to fruit like cashew apples.

The stem grows at the end opposite to the nut

A cashew nut is about 2.4cm long. Its shell is about 3mm, having a soft

leathery outer skin and thin hard inner skin.

2

Cashew spreads widely. It comes up well up to a height of 700 meters

and increases well near the sea coast. However, it is grown successfully at

places which are away from the sea coast also.

Cashew is a sun loving tree and does not allow excessive shade. It does

best with long sunshine hours throughout the year. It requires a lot of sunlight

uniformly distributed over its entire leaves, in order to complete its reproductive

cycle and to give a satisfactory yield.

Regarding the soil requirement of cashew crop, it is found to grow from

the poorest to the richest on stony ground as well as in the sandy tracks but,

performs badly in heavy day or lime stone, water logged condition, ill drained

soils or in strong saline water bearing stratum.

For maximum productivity cashew prefers good well drained, aerated

sandy loam soil with adequate moisture. However these soils are poor in

fertility. Therefore cashew trees need to be fertilized regularly in these areas.

Regarding the time of sowing, June to October is the optimum season.

Cashew has two parts, the fleshy sweat cashew apple and cashew nut.

This is one of the better taste, low sugar and fat and higher and better quality

protein. While most nuts have saturated fatty acids, cashew has 47% fat, of this

82% is unsaturated fatty acids free from cholesterol. Cashew kernel contains

21% of proteins which is at par with soya been and ground nuts quantitatively

3

but quantity wise. Its proteins are more on the side of milk, eggs and meat. It

contains amino acids in the right proportion for the human body.

Also at present cashew is considered as snacks, especially a “cocktail

snack” and they globally about 85% of cashew can be used as an ingredient in

cooking cereals, bakery, confectionery, chocolates, cookies, ice-creams etc.,

Features of cashew Industry:-

The major features of the cashew industry are as follows:

1. Cashew factories are located mostly in rural and backward areas.

2. Cashew factories use labour intensive technique of production.

3. Female labour in cashew industries contribute to about 90% of the total

work force.

4. The cashew factory is an important foreign exchange earner.

5. The cashew industry does not necessarily require electric power for

operations. It is only a packing stage that normal power is used.

6. The cashew processing industry does not generate any waste. The shell of

cashew is used as fuel.

Advantages of cashew industry:-

There are some important advantages in the cashew nut

processing industry. They are as follows,

4

1. The cashew nut industry helps to remove poverty by generating rural

income.

2. The cashew nut industries provide gain full employment opportunities to

rural women.

3. Cashew kernel is one of the export oriented commodities. This increases

the income and welfare of the people.

4. Increase in employment of cashew nut industry also improves the

economic and social status of the people.

Disadvantages of cashew industry:-

The cashew nut factories have disadvantages like those given below.

1. According to government Act the cashew industries must provide the

workers with gloves to protect their hands. But most of the factories

donot provide gloves to the workers. This after the skin and health of the

workers.

2. Women workers in the cashew nut industry are kept under conditions of

close control and strict supervision.

Statement of the problems:-

In India, the study of working condition is of recent origin. Working

conditions are associated with the industrialization. In general working

5

condition consists of working process, labour problems, working hours,

sickness, healthcare, education, culture and recreation facilities.

Shortage of raw cashew nut is the major problem. The cashew industry

was initially dependent largely on imported raw cashew nuts. The growth of

exports is not on the expected line due to stiff competition, from other countries.

The real problem arose with the emergence and development of the cashew

industry.

Objectives of the study:-

1. To study the general process of cashew nuts in the study area.

2. To analyse the production, sales and profit of cashew nut industries in the

study area.

3. To analyse the working conditions of cashew workers in Kaliyal village.

4. To suggest ways and measures to solve the problems of cashew workers.

Methodology:-

The study is both descriptive and an analytical study in nature. The

different process of cashew nuts have been identified and described. The

descriptions are based on journals, magazines, and text books.

However the field study has been restricted to 5 industries to which the

researcher belongs. Only 50 samples were selected at random. According to

6

convenience sampling method to study their problems, employing an interview

schedule. The sample selected represents all the categories of workers (i.e.)

Roasters, Shellers, Peelers, Graders.

Among the nine cashew factories in Kaliyal village the researches has

selected only five units. Detailed discussions were held with the managers and

union leaders.

Sources of data:-

The study is based on primary as well as secondary data. The primary

data have been collected from the workers of Kaliyal village of Kanyakumari

district. The details regarding various process of cashew nuts area profile had

been collected as secondary data from journals, magazines, newspaper and

books.

Statistical tools:-

Statistical methods are the mechanical process, especially designs to

facilitate and analyze the large body quantitative data. The aim of statistical

method is to interpret the completed data for the purpose of analysis. The

present study has employed percentages, to analyze the data from the records of

the selected cashew nut industries have been calculated for the profit to make

the study quit meaningful.

7

Limitations:-

The present study has the following limitations;

1. Some data are not 100% accurate.

2. This study is confined to the cashew nut processing industries only.

3. The field study has been made in the selected units only.

4. Time limit for the study is also a drawback of this project.

5. Since convenience sampling was selected, findings and observations from

the primary data may not hold well in a wider context.

Scheme of study:-

This project consists of five chapters. The first chapter is an introductory

chapter, where, brief introduction about the cashew nut has been given .The

chapter two is devoted to the processing of cashew nuts in the study area. In the

chapter three, production, sales and profit of cashew nut industries in the

selected area are given. Fourth chapter deals with the working condition of the

cashew nut industry in the study area, i.e.; the data analysis. The researchers’

findings, suggestions and concluding observations are given in chapter five.

8

CHAPTER II

PROCESSING OF CASHEW NUTS IN THE

STUDY AREA

Scope of the study:-

From the year of 1960 Kerala cashew factory owners started cashew

industries in Kanyakumari district. They started cashew nut industries in

Vilavancode Taluk also cashew industries is one of the most profitable

industries in Kanyakumari district.

After the emerge of cashew nut industries the rural areas, developed

in the socio-economic conditions. In Kanyakumari district as per the survey

conducted by Employees State Insurance Corporation Authorities nearly 285

industries were there in the year 1991. Nowadays more than 400 industries are

there.

These studies confined to Kaliyal village area particularly in

Melparur, Ponginkalai, Kattavillai, Arakanadu, and Marudhampara.

9

Description of study area:

Kaliyal village is situated in vilavancode taluk of Kanyakumari district. It is

a small village consisting of Hindus, Christians and Muslims. The main

occupation of the local people is agriculture. They are generally very poor

because of their unemployment condition low income and general illiteracy.

Soil:-

The village has red soil. Red soil is suitable for all type of crops. The

red color denotes the presence of Iron in higher percentage.

Climate:-

This Panchayth has moderate temperature and humidity. The climate

is more or less same all over the district.

Population:-

The total population of this village is 66,300 and the total number of

house hold is 14,116.

Educational Institution:-

In Kaliyal village there are three Government schools and two

Management Higher Secondary schools. The literacy rate of this village is 72%

and people speak Tamil and Malayalam.

10

Occupation:-

The main occupation of the people is agriculture. People cultivate

commercial and non-commercial crops. The commercial crops are banana,

coconuts, tapioca, cashewnut and so-on. Rice cultivation and vegetables

cultivation also form the major items.

Saving Pattern:-

Saving is the outcome of income. In Kaliyal village a majority of the

population are landless. They are keeping account with the post office for the

benefit of their children. But the land lords have accounts in post office as well

as in banks.

Stages in cashew nut Processing:-

Cashew nut processing lowers all the stages from the drying of raw

cashew nuts to the packing of processed kernels. We shall divide the entire

process into 8 stages and in each stage we shall examine the purpose and

methods currently employed.

1. Drying of raw cashew nuts:-

Drying seeks to reduce the moisture content to facilitate storage without

rapid deterioration. Moisture loss at this stage ranges between three to ten

11

percent depending on the time of harvest. Storage in well ventilated warehouses

is also a prerequisite for good yields.

2. Roasting / Streaming:-

It is employed to facilitate the removal of the shell in the subsequent process.

(A) Roasting:-

Roasting could be done in two ways.

Drum Roasting:-

Roasting is one of the oldest and most widely use

methods. The raw nuts are passed through a heated drum where it

catches fire. The whole process takes about two minutes. About 8 to

10 bags can be roasted in one hour. This is one of the cheapest

available methods through shell oil recovery in not possible.

Oil (Plant) Roasting:-

In this method dried nuts conditioned with water are

passed through a hot oil (Cashew nut Shell Liquid – CNSL) bath

by conveyer buckets shell oil can be recovered at this point and

also later by crushing the shell. However this method involves

higher initial investment. Moreover, unless the raw nuts are of

good quality and well dried, the colour of the processed kernels

would be poor. This method is generally not being used now.

12

(B) Steaming :-

Steaming is an alternative to roasting. Well dried raw

nuts are steam Cooked at about 120 -140lbs/sq inch pressure. About

six bags can be cooked in an hour. Shell oil can be extracted in later

stages by crushing.

3. Removal of the shell:-

(A) Shelling:-

Roasted ( drum or oil roasted ) nuts are shelled by

workers using wooden mallets. We can see the shelling process from

the following picture.

(B) Cutting:-

Steamed nuts are cut by workers with blades mounted on

wooden tables. At this point a comparison of roasting / shelling and

steaming / cutting is warranted. The latter scores as far as pollution

control is concerned and is more productive. When the nuts are of

fairly large size and well dried. Shell oil recovery is also possible.

However, it involves higher initial investment, higher maintenance

costs, extra drying of the raw nuts and is counterproductive when the

nuts are small in size. Hence the cheaper and more convenient drum

roasting / shelling combination is more widely used.

13

4. Drying and cooling of shelled kernels:-

The shelled kernels are dried in a “Borma” (Oven) at 80 to 90 degrees

centigrade. The process takes about six to twelve hours depending on the

kernels and type of “Borma“used.

The old methods such as the 8 feet, 12feet and the “Thattu”. Borma are

direct application of heat generated using cashew shell as fud. The “ Blower

Borma” in which hot air is blown into the chamber where the kernels are kept

and the “ Electric Borma “ are recent arrivals. Though the older methods cause

greater roasting, they are still widely used because of the higher investments

and with the maintenance costs associated with the recent innovations. Bormas

which use combinations of old and new methods can also be found in the

industry.

5. Peeling:-

The testa is peeled off and initial grading as whole and brokers and by

colour is done. The Peeling worker has to be experienced and skilled if

breakages are to be kept to a minimum.

6. Grading:-

The peeled cashew kernels are graded according to its size, colour and its

maturity. There are around 22 grades of cashew kernels and a specification of

each grade is laid down by the cashew export promotion council.

14

7. Filling:-

The graded kernels are filled in 25Ib tin containers after infusing carbon

dioxide to prevent infestation.

8. Packing:-

Two 25Ib tins are packed in a corrugated box and strapped. Two whole

processes takes place about six days from roasting / steaming to packing and is

highly labour intensive.

15

CHAPTER III

THE PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND

PROFIT OF CASHEWNUT INDUSTRIES IN

THE STUDY AREA.

Kaliyal Town Panchayath is a pioneer is cashew industries than any other

panchayath in Kanyakumari district. This industry mainly depends upon female

workers.

In all the five industries peelers and shellers are getting fixed rate of wage

shellers get Rs.8.60 per kg and peelers get Rs.9.30 per kg. None of the

industries are having their own machines for packing the processed cashew

nuts. After the processing of cashew nut is over it is sent to their Head office for

packing.

The individual production sales and profit of all the five units are given

below by way of Bar charts.

Kattavilai cashew industry

Kattavilai cashew industry was started in the year 1989, with an initial

investment of Rs. 8 lakhs. This Industry is built in sixty five cents of land. The

head office of this industry is at kuttakuzhi. When it was started, the

management has taken a loan from the commercial bank at 2% interest rate. The

industry started its working with 100 employees. Among these 100 workers,

16

only 9 were females and the remaining were males. But now there is about 142

workers. among this 142 workers,130 were females and the remaining 12 were

males. To protect the surrounding from population, a chimney at a height of

hundred and thirty feet was built. The industry buys raw cashew nuts from

Thoothukudi and exports it to Arabian counties.

Production of cashew from Kattavilai cashew industry.

Year Units

2007 85000

2008 75000

2009 60000

2010 55000

2011 25000

Source : Primary Data

The above table shows that there is a decrease of production in every

year. The researcher founds that the reason for such decrease of production is

due to the emergence of new units every year.

Ponginkalai cashew factory

17

Ponginkalai cashew industry was started in the year 1980, with an initial

investment of Rs. 7 lakhs. This factory is built in 70 cents of land. The head

office of this factory is at Kannumamoodu. The factory started its working with

60 employees. Among this 51 workers were females and the remaining were



Salem

Production of cashew from Pongankalai Cashew industry

Year Units

2007 70000

2008 60000

2009 65000

2010 45000

2011 30000


The above table reveals that the production is decreasing year by year.

The researcher founds that the availability of raw cashew nuts were less during

2011. The decrease in production has decreased the profit also.

Associated Cashew nuts Factory

18

Associated Cashew nuts Industry was started in the year 1990, with an

initial investment of Rs. 5 lakhs. This factory is built in 80 cents of land. The

head office of this factory is at Kannumamoodu. The factory started its working

with 72 employees, where 67 workers are females and the remaining were



Tirunelveli.

Production of cashew from associated cashew industry

Year Units

2007 10000

2008 12000

2009 13000

2010 14000

2011 15000


The above table shows that there is a increase of production in every year.

The researcher founds that the reason for such increase of production is due to

the increase of special bonus every year. The increase in the production results

in the increase of profit

Priyadharshini cashew factory

19

Priyadharshini cashew industry was started in the year 1987, with an

initial investment of Rs.7 lakhs. This factory is built in 80 cents of land. The

head office of this factory is at Kannumamoodu. At the time of starting the total

workers were 57 in number, where 50 are females and the remaining where



Tirunelveli.

Production of cashew from Priyadharashini cashew industry

Year Units

2007 30000

2008 35000

2009 40000

2010 43000

2011 50000

Source : Primary Data:

The above table shows that the production is increasing year after year,

from 1999 to 2003. This is due to the fact that there occurs an increase in the

import of raw cashew in every year.

Prasanthi Cashew nut Industry

20

Prasanthi Cashew nut factory is also an important cashew nut factory in

the Kaliyal village

Production of cashew from prasanthi cashew industry

Year Units

2007 30000

2008 25000

2009 23000

2010 20000

2011 10000


The above table reveals that the production is decreasing year after year.

It Is due to the reason that there start one more units in the same area during the

year 2000, which is not taken for study. Also frequent labour turnover was

identified by the researcher in this unit.

CHAPTER IV

21

ANALYSIS OF WORKING CONDITION

The success of an organization depends to a large extend on the moral

behavior and the whole hearted co-operation of the employee. The employee’s

moral depends upon the company’s relationship and the responsibility to the

worker. The responsibility of the organization to the worker include, payment of

fair wages, provition of the better working conditions like ventilation, lighting,

drinking water facilities, canteens, rest rooms, establishments of work standards

and norms etc.

Hence an attempt has been made by the researcher to analyse the working

conditions of the cashew nut factory workers in Kaliyal village. The entire

analysis is centered to know the adequency and the responsibility of the

organization to the workers in the industry.

Literary Status:

Education is the most important factor for the human population to

transform the human population into human capital. The literary status of the

respondents is given below;

Table: 4.1 Literary Status of the respondents

Sl. NO Qualification No. of workers Percentage

22

1 1 - 5 17 34

2 6 - 10 30 60

3 11 – 12 2 4

4 Above 12 1 2

Total 50 100

Source: primary data

It can be observed from the table 4.1 that out of the fifty respondents only 2% of

the respondents had studied above 12th. Further 34% of the sample respondents

have elementary education. Thus the above table shows that majority of the

respondents are educated only up to higher secondary level. There lack of study

is due to poverty.

Marital Status:

The marital status of the sample respondents are given below.

Table 4.2 Marital Status or the sample respondents

Sl. No Marital Status No. of Workers Percentage

1 Married 28 56

2 Unmarried 22 44

Total 50 100


The above table reveals that out of the fifty workers interviewed 28 workers are

married and 22 workers is unmarried, which constitutes 56% and 44%

respectively

23

The majority of the workers are married and they are mainly doing this

job to meet the education expenses of their children and also to meet their

family expenses. The unmarried suggested that they are mainly working to meet

their marriage expenses.

Nature of Job:

The main findings regarding the nature of the job of the respondents are

given below

Table 4.3 Nature of job of the respondents

Sl. NO Nature of Job No. of Workers Percentage

1 Roasting 10 20

2 Shelling 13 26

3 Peeling 16 32

4 Grading 11 22

5 Packing --- ---

Total 50 100


The table 4.3 reveals that out of 50 respondents 16 respondents are

working in the peeling section, which constitutes 32% and 13 respondents are

working in the shelling section, which constitutes 26% and 11 respondents are

in the grading section, which constitutes 20%

24

The researcher founds that majority of the respondents are working in the

peeling section due to the high wage rate.

Opinion about the wages of cashew workers:

The workers interviewed have two sided opinions about the wage rate of

them.

Table 4.4 Opinion about the wage rate of the workers

Sl. No Opinion No. of workers Percentage

1 Good -- --

2 Moderate 48 96

3 Bad 2 4

Total 50 100

Source: Primary data

The above table reveals that 96% of the respondents feel the wage rate as

moderate. Two respondents’ feels that wage rate is very bad and they suggest

that they are not satisfied with their present wages.

Quantity of cashew nut peeled in one day:

The quantity of cashew nuts peeled in one day by the sample respondents

are given below;

25

Table 4.5 quantity of cashew nuts peeled in one day

Sl. No Quantity of nuts

peeled

(kg)

No. of workers Percentage

1 5-10 8 50

2 11-15 4 25

3 16-20 4 25

Total 16 100


The table 4.5 reveals that out of the fifty samples interviewed, only 16

respondents are working in the peeling section. Among this sixteen, about eight

respondent are peeling 5-10 kg of cashew nuts.255 of the respondents are

peeling 11-15 kg and the remaining 25% of the respondents are peeling 16-20

kg of cashew nuts

Quantity of cashew nut shells in one day:

The total amount of cashew nut shells which is been output is given

below

Table 4.6 Quantity of cashew nuts shell in one day

Sl. No Units (kg) No. of Percentage

26

respondents

1 5-10 10 77

2 11-15 2 15

3 16-20 1 8

Total 13 100


The above table 4.6 shows that out of the fifty sample respondents only

13 respondents are doing the shelling work. Out of this 13 ten workers which

constitutes 77% shells 5-10 kg of nuts per day. Only 2 respondents shells 11-15

kg of cashew nuts and the remaining 1 respondent shells about 16-20 kg of

cashew nuts.

Earning of bonus per year:

The below table clearly explains the total bonus earnings of the workers

in a year

Table 4.7 Earning of bonus per year

Sl. No Bonus (In Rs) No. of workers Percentage

1 2000 20 40

2 2500 12 24

3 3000 7 14

4 3500 11 22

27

Total 50 100


All the five cashew nut factories which is studied provides bonus every

year. Table 4.7 reveals that 20 respondents which constitute 40% of the sample

respondents are getting 2000 Rs as bonus, per year. 7 respondents are getting

bonus of Rs 3000 per year.

The researchers found out that majority of the workers are getting Rs

2000 as bonus per year.

Working conditions of the cashew workers:

The working conditions of the workers in the factories are listed below

Table 4.8 Working condition of the cashew workers

Sl.

No

Opinion Ventilation

facility

% Water

facility

% First aid

facility

% Gloves

facility

%

28

1 Satisfied 50 100 50 100 50 100 --- ---

2 Not

Satisfied

--- --- --- --- ---- --- 50 100

Total 50 100 50 100 50 100 50 100


NB: % (Percentage)

It is evident from the above table 4.8 that all the units selected for study is

providing good working conditions. All the workers are fully satisfied with their

working conditions. Unfortunately none of the units are providing gloves

facilities to protect the workers skin.

Opinion about the medical facilities to the workers:

The factories which were studied are providing some medical facilities.

These medical facilities provided are viewed differently by the workers.

Table 4.9 Opinion about the medical facilities to the workers


1 Highly Satisfied --- ---

2 Satisfied 46 92

3 Not Satisfied 4 8

29

Total 50 100


The table 4.9 shows that, out of the fifty workers selected, 46 workers

were satisfied with the medical facilities provided to them. On the other hand,

8% of the respondents are not satisfied with the medical facilities.

Opinion of cash advances to the workers:

Cash advances have a vital role in motivating the workers. The below

table reveals about the cash advances received by the workers.

Table 4.10 Opinion of cash advances to the workers:

Sl. No Opinion No. Of workers Percentage

1 Yes 50 100

2 No --- ---

Total 50 100


Table 4.10 shows that all the sample respondents agreed that they are

given advances for their emergencies. But they are getting only Rs 2000 to Rs

3000 as advances. The workers suggested that this amount is given for the

purpose of canvassing and motivating the other workers.

Opinion of the workers compensation:

30

The workers in the study area are provided with the compensations. The

details are listed below;

Table 4.11 Opinion of the workers compensation



2 Satisfied 40 80

3 Not Satisfied 10 20

Total 50 100


Table 4.11 shows that out of fifty samples, 40 respondents were satisfied

with the workers compensation, as against 10 respondents are not satisfied with

the workers compensation. The researcher founds that majority of the workers

are satisfied with the compensations.

Reason for choosing cashew employment:

The reason for choosing up this job by the workers varies due to some

certain problems. They are also listed below;

Table 4.12 Reason for choosing cashew employment

Sl. No Reason No. of Workers Percentage

31

1 Poverty 50 100

2 Unemployment --- ---

3 Higher Studies --- ---

4 To help family --- ---

Total 50 100


According to the field survey, all the samples selected for the study is

coming to work in the cashew factories is due to poverty. It is found that the

married women are working to take care of their children. The unmarried are

working to earn money to meet their marriage expenses.

Number of working days:

The details regarding the working days of workers are given in the

following table.

Table 4.13 Number of working days

Sl. No Working Days

(weekly)

No. of workers Percentage

1 4 Days --- ---

2 5 Days 10 20

3 6days 40 80

Total 50 100

32


Table 4.13 reveals that out of 50 sample respondents, 40 workers are

working for six days in a week. Ten sample workers work for 5 days in a week.

Anyhow, if there is any shortage of raw materials, the number of working days

will be reduced by the owners.

Working hours:

The total working hours of the workers are listed in the below table.

Table 4.14 Working hours:

Sl. No Hours worked No. of workers Percentage

1 7 Hours --- ---

2 8 Hours 30 60

3 9 Hours 20 40

Total 50 100


Table 4.14 shows that out of fifty sample respondents, 30 are working eight

hours in a day and 20 are working nine hours in a day. The researcher founds

that majority of the respondents are working for eight hours in a day and none

of them are working for seven hours in a day.

33

Opinion about their leisure time:

The opinion of the workers regarding the leisure time provided to them is

listed below;

Table 4.15 Opinion about their leisure time


1 Yes 50 100

2 No --- ---

Total 50 100


Table 4.15 shows that all the sample respondents are provided with break

in between their work. But the workers suggested that the break time is not

enough. Hence it is advised to the owners that the break time should be

extended to motivate the workers.

Job satisfaction of the workers:

The satisfaction level of the workers on doing this job also varies. This

can be revealed with the help of the following table.

34

Table 4.16 Job satisfaction of the workers



2 Satisfied 50 100

3 Not Satisfied --- ---

Total 50 100


Table 4.16 reveals that, all the sample respondents are satisfied with the

type of work, which they perform, None of the workers is highly satisfied with

their work and no workers is dissatisfied also.

Membership in trade union:

There are trade unions in the study area. These trade unions play a vital

role in determining the working conditions of the factory workers.

Table 4.17 Membership in trade union:


1 Yes 40 80

2 No 10 20

Total 50 100


35

Table 4.17 shows that among the fifty samples selected for the study,

fourty are having the trade union memberships and ten workers had not yet

joined the trade union. The majority of the workers had joined the trade union to

claim their rights.

Overall satisfaction of the workers:

The overall satisfaction of the workers on doing this work is listed below.

Table 4.18 Overall satisfactions of the workers


1 Yes 20 40

2 No 30 60

Total 50 100


Table 4.18 shows that, out of the fifty respondents 30 workers are not satisfied

with the overall facilities provided by the factory. 20 sample respondents are

satisfied with the facilities provided by the factory.

Since majority of the sample workers are not satisfied with the overall

facilities in the factory, it is suggested that the management should take some

suitable measurers like increasing the wages, bonus, advances, etc; to satisfy the

workers.

36

CHAPTER V

FINDING, SUGGESTIONS & CONCLUSION

Findings & Suggestions

On the basis of the study, the researchers findings and suggestions as

remedial measures to uplift the life of the workers in cashew nut industry and

the prosperity of the cashew units in Kaliyal village are listed below.

37

Frequent labour turn over in ‘Kattavilai‘ industry should be avoided in

future and the experienced workers should be retailed by giving some extra

benefits. Frequent labour turn over will affect the industry also.

1. The workers had selected this job only to develop the living conditions.

So the government and the management should give sufficient facilities

to the workers.

2. Cashew nut supply should be increased in order to avoid the shortage of

work.

3. Sufficient intervals should be provided to the workers in order to increase

the efficiency and to develop their health.

4. The workers should also be provided with the basic amenities in the

industry.

5. The government should punish those cashew processors who do not

introduce welfare programmes such as healthy working conditions in the

industry and prompt the regular payment of bonus. At present 25% of the

wages paid to the laborers form the annual bonus. This system should be

changed with immediate effect.

6. The government should take some measures to confirm that weather the

minimum wages act is followed by the owners.

7. Advances to the workers should be increased.

38

8. The government should take suitable steps to increase the saving behavior

of the workers.

9. The owners should take measures to improve the health and hygienic

conditions of the laborers in the factory.

10.“Employees State Insurance scheme” should also be introduced to the

workers in the cashew industries.

11.Since none of the units are providing gloves, it is suggested that the

management should provide gloves to the workers to protect their skins

and it will be a motivational factor to the workers.

The labour welfare officers should visit the factories regularly to confirm

that the workers are provided with the gloves and masks.

12.The system of payment should be changed from weekly wages to

monthly wages and the workers security should be assured throughout the

year.

13.Every industry must develop the medical and the ESI benefits.

14.Since most of the workers working in these industries are from poor

families, the financial assistance should be provided to the workers in the

form of high wages, medical allowances, Travelling expenses etc.,

15.The government and the local authorities’ welfare policies should be

extended to these workers to improve their future life.

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Conclusion:

Mostly, the women workers are coming for the job to develop their life

and meet the expenses of the children’s education. The unmarried female

workers are mainly working to meet their marriage expenses. Unfortunately

they are not much satisfied with their job. So under these circumstances the

government and the management should take necessary steps to solve the

problems of the factory workers. Both the central and the state governments

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should give proper attention towards these industries to protect these industries

and the workers.

The result of the study is highly beneficial to the cashew nut industries in

Kaliyal village, and is also useful for the other cashew nut industries in general

for improving their overall performance.