The district administration has taken a significant step to promote agro-based food processing units in the region. Surplus food crops will be supplied to these units, which will not only create employment opportunities but also provide farmers with a reliable market for their excess produce. The processed food items can then be sold at a reasonable profit.
A meeting was held in Chinsurah, attended by senior officials and experts from the horticulture department, agriculture department, MSME department, and others, in the presence of state minister Becharam Manna.
Mr Manna stated that, for the first time in the district, an initiative has been launched to encourage the establishment of agro-based food processing units. Surplus production of potatoes, cereals, and millets will be made available to these units at fair prices. Farmers will no longer face difficulties in managing excess crops, as they will be compensated according to market rates.
The food processing units will be able to produce items such as potato chips, dried potato powder or flour, potato vodka, and nutritious products from cereals and millets.
Mr Manna invited individuals interested in setting up agro-based food processing units to come forward and take advantage of the support being offered. In addition to providing the necessary food crops, experts will offer guidance on converting raw produce into finished food products.
He further added that despite this year’s surplus potato production, the government has ensured profitable prices for growers. Potatoes have also been directly procured from farmers for Sufal Bangla stalls.