“Space beneath maize cultivation will likely be expanded by 60,000 hectares over the following three years to fulfill the rising demand for animal feed, poultry feed, and fish feed within the state. By means of cooperation between the federal government, personal sector, instructional establishments, and civil society, we will leverage one another's strengths and collectively deal with the challenges forward. Ladies represent 70% of the workforce engaged in agriculture, and inspiring ladies as agricultural entrepreneurs is a key step in the direction of ladies's empowerment,” he added.
Highlighting West Bengal's potential within the sector, Smaraki Mahapatra, Secretary, Division of Meals Processing Industries and Horticulture mentioned, “West Bengal is a high producer in lots of greens and fruits, producing about 163 lakh MT of greens whereas native consumption is about 95 lakh MT. Fruit manufacturing is about 40 lakh MT and consumption is about 30-35 lakh MT. The surpluses could be exported to different states and international locations with investments in chilly chain logistics and export growth. The federal government is offering intensive assist to tissue tradition for banana, pineapple, blueberry and ginger, amongst others.”
“We're the one state which has the Himalayas and a coast, making it very best for fruit and vegetable manufacturing. The federal government is working arduous to assist the sectors development. There's lots of scope for funding in worth addition between the farm and the market. The state has a wealthy historical past of conventional medicinal crops and has enormous potential for contribution in Ayurvedic remedies. In FY 24-25, 24,213 items within the meals processing sector have been arrange within the state, which isn't a small quantity. A partnership between the federal government, FPO's, farmers and entrepreneurs is required to generate curiosity and uplift the sector to its potential,” she added.
