Deputy CM Chowna Mein advocates roadmap for developing agri-horti sector in Arunachal Pradesh

CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday advocated for formulating a roadmap for agriculture and horticulture development through effective policy implementation in the state.

Mein, who during the day visited the upcoming mega food park and green gold integrated farm at Dolikoto, near Banderdewa in the Papumpare district, urged the officials for fast-track single window clearance to facilitate the establishment of food processing units and agro-based industries in the state through ease of doing business.

The food park is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of doubling farmers' income and strengthening the economy under 'vocal for local'. It will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for the youths of the region.

As of now, the integrated farm employs more than 300 skilled and unskilled unemployed youths, an official communiqué informed. Mein said that Arunachal has one of the highest land banks toward becoming the food bowl of India.

"We have initiated many subsidized schemes like Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojana, Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana, Atma Nirbhar Matsya Palan Yojana and Atma Nirbhar Plantation Yojana to enhance farmer's productivity and income and also to achieve self-reliance in the agriculture sector", he said. The Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has granted approval to the establishment of the mega food park under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana.

The park once functional will accommodate 35 food industries spanning 73.5 acres of land, indirectly employing more than 5 lakh farmers of the state.

The multi-sectoral park will comprise rice & flour mills, snack units, canning units, pickle units, squashes and juice units, bakery units, sweet & savoury units, ready-to-eat packaged food units, along with dairy, meat and seafood units.

To facilitate the early establishment of the park, Mein directed the industry and forest departments to expedite the process of diversion of the Dorpong reserve forest for forest clearance. He has also assured to look into the link road from the bypass road to Hollongi connecting rural villages in order to facilitate transportation of agricultural produces.

The park site comprising 75 acres of land includes 200 hectares of rubber plantation, 100 hectares of Thailand seedless lemon plantation, 5 ha of freshwater fishery ponds, dairy farms and various livestock farms including piggery, goatary, fishery and duckery.

Meanwhile, the four-lane road connectivity, a 4-km-long RCC boundary wall and land development spanning 50 acres have been completed for the park for setting up of different food industries.

During the visit, Mein also inaugurated the newly set up green gold resort inside the integrated farm situated 29 km away from the state capital.

The resort is anticipated to boost tourist footfall in the area.

Mein also inspected the 33kv power station and 3 MLD water treatment plant, which is currently under construction. Once completed, the complete support infrastructure will ensure a reliable and consistent supply of energy and water to the park.

The commencement of the park is set to generate up to 5000 direct employment and will play a crucial role in bringing down the unemployment curve in the state. The annual revenue projection of the park is expected to touch Rs 450-500 crore with a collective investment of around Rs 250 crore.

State Industry and Commerce Minister Tumke Bagra, Agriculture Minister Tage Taki and Education Minister Taba Tedir, and Doimukh MLA Tana Hali Tara were among others who also accompanied the deputy chief minister during the visit, the communiqué added.

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