The correct answer is: a) Kollam.
The cashew processing industry in Kerala is primarily located in Kollam district. Kollam is the largest cashew processing center in India, accounting for about 40% of the country’s cashew production. The cashew processing industry in Kollam employs about 100,000 people and contributes about 10% of the district’s GDP.
The cashew processing industry in Kollam began in the early 20th century. The first cashew processing factory was established in Kollam in 1907. The industry grew rapidly in the following decades, and by the 1950s, Kollam was the largest cashew processing center in India.
The cashew processing industry in Kollam is based on the processing of cashew nuts. Cashew nuts are harvested from cashew trees, which are native to Brazil. The cashew nuts are first dried and then processed into cashew kernels. The cashew kernels are then used to make a variety of products, including cashew nuts, cashew butter, cashew cream, and cashew milk.
The cashew processing industry in Kollam is a major source of employment for the people of Kollam. The industry also contributes significantly to the economy of Kollam. The cashew processing industry in Kollam is facing a number of challenges, including the rising cost of raw materials, the shortage of skilled labor, and the competition from other cashew processing centers in India and abroad. However, the cashew processing industry in Kollam is still a major economic force in the district.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option b) Kannur is a district in Kerala, India. It is located in the northern part of the state. Kannur is known for its cashew production. However, the cashew processing industry in Kannur is not as large as the cashew processing industry in Kollam.
- Option c) Ernakulam is a district in Kerala, India. It is located in the central part of the state. Ernakulam is known for its commercial and industrial activities. However, the cashew processing industry in Ernakulam is not as large as the cashew processing industry in Kollam.
- Option d) Alappuzha is a district in Kerala, India. It is located in the southern part of the state. Alappuzha is known for its backwaters and tourism. However, the cashew processing industry in Alappuzha is not as large as the cashew processing industry in Kollam.