ASSOCHAM Hosted Agri, Livestock and Food Processing Growth Meet in Kolkata

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Arup Roy, Hon'ble Minister in Charge Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, at the Agri, Livestock and Food Processing Growth Meet organised by ASSOCHAM, stated that in West Bengal, the food processing industry has expanded significantly. To encourage the industry and draw in investment, the state government has launched several programs. Advanced planting materials, high-yielding seed

production, the establishment of model nurseries, organic horticulture promotion, post-harvest management, fruit and vegetable processing, high-quality packaging, cold chain infrastructure development, rainwater harvesting in key areas, technology development, and protected cultivation are some of the ways the state is modernising its horticulture. Highlighting West Bengal’s potential in the sector, Smaraki Mahapatra, IAS, Secretary, Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, stated that with an annual production of over 163 lakh MT of veggies and a local consumption of roughly 95 lakh MT, West Bengal is a leading producer of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruit output is approximately 40 lakh MT, whereas consumption is approximately 30 to 35 lakh MT. With investments in export development and cold chain logistics, the surpluses can be exported to other states and nations. Among other things, the government is heavily supporting tissue culture for ginger, blueberries, pineapples, and bananas.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu