Food Processing Sector To Be Strengthened: KTR

Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K T Rama Rao today said that the state government, with its focus on agrarian welfare and growth, would work to promote paddy and oil palm production in the state.

Speaking at a meeting on farming issues that was attended by Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy and Civil Supplies Minister Gangula Kamalakar, Rao said that with the aim of ushering in growth and development, the TRS regime would soon establish more food processing SEZs and units in the state.

He then added that the farmers in Telangana needed to be encouraged to grow more paddy and oil palm in order to benefit from the growing demand for the crops.

"With the success of our irrigation projects and the implementation of several development programs, a second green revolution is underway in Telangana. We are witnessing a big boost in various sectors, and are now planning to strengthen the food processing sector as well. 350 applications have already been received for the same. If necessary, more time and attention will be devoted to attracting agro companies to set up food processing units and zones in the state," the minister asserted.

"Food processing units and SEZs will have to be strengthened so that the produce of Telangana's farmers can be procured. This will make growing crops like paddy, chilli, millets, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits more profitable. Our aim is to ensure that the farmers are given every possible benefit through facilities such as the Rythu Vedikas and are given livelihood support as well," KTR continued.

Officials then informed him about plans to facilitate the establishment and growth of food processing units and zones. Niranjan Reddy pointed out that the growth of food processing units would help boost the national economy as well as Telangana's. He stated that the aim of the government was to help the farming community via the food processing units.

Echoing similar thoughts, Kamalakar mentioned that such units would help hike the export of paddy and other farm produce. He also highlighted the need to address issues related to milling capacity and rice exports to China.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and various other high-level officials were among those present for the meeting.