V.O. Chidambaranar Port Records 59% Surge in Raw Cashew Cargo in FY26 (April–November)

By Admin

27 Dec, 2025

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, has registered a significant 59.27% year-on-year growth in raw cashew cargo volumes during the April–November 2025 period, compared to the same months in April–November 2024. This sharp rise highlights the port’s growing importance in handling agricultural and allied commodities and its strengthening role in India’s agri-trade logistics network.

Rising cashew imports reflect operational efficiency
According to port officials, the substantial increase in raw cashew cargo is the result of improved operational efficiency, faster cargo turnaround times, and enhanced hinterland connectivity. Streamlined port processes and better coordination between stakeholders have made VOC Port more attractive for agri-based imports. The growth also reflects strong demand from India’s cashew processing industry, particularly in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, which depend heavily on consistent supplies of imported raw cashew nuts.

Strengthening agri-commodity logistics
VOC Port has been actively optimising its cargo handling systems to support bulk and break-bulk agricultural commodities. Investments in storage facilities, evacuation infrastructure, and mechanised handling solutions have enabled smoother cargo movement and reduced dwell time. Dedicated berths and coordinated customs and port procedures have further improved efficiency, encouraging traders and importers to route their raw cashew shipments through Tuticorin.

Strategic location and trade connectivity
The port’s location on India’s southeast coast provides direct maritime access to major cashew-producing regions in Africa and Southeast Asia. This strategic advantage positions VOC Port as a preferred gateway for raw cashew imports destined for southern India’s processing hubs. Efficient sea routes combined with improving inland connectivity have strengthened the port’s competitiveness in agri-commodity trade.

Boost to regional economy
The surge in raw cashew cargo is expected to deliver wider economic benefits across the region. Increased volumes support cashew processors, logistics service providers, transporters, and other allied industries. Cashew processing is a major employment generator in southern India, and improved cargo flows through VOC Port can help enhance capacity utilisation, support exports of finished cashew products, and strengthen overall industry competitiveness.

Outlook for FY26 and beyond
With ongoing investments in infrastructure modernisation, digitalisation of port operations, and multimodal connectivity, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority aims to further expand its handling of agricultural and food commodities. Port officials are confident that the strong momentum in raw cashew cargo will continue through the remaining months of FY26, reinforcing Tuticorin’s position as a key agri-cargo hub on India’s east coast.

The impressive performance in raw cashew handling also aligns with VOC Port’s broader strategy to diversify its cargo basket and deepen its role in India’s agricultural trade logistics ecosystem, supporting both domestic industry and export-oriented growth.