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Title : Need to promote mango based industry in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu.
SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM (KRISHNAGIRI): In my Krishnagiri District, out of all the fruits, mango cultivation occupies a prominent place. Mangoes are cultivated here in nearly 40,000 hectares and the annual production is around 4 lakh tons. Large varieties of mangoes cultivated here are exported abroad fetching huge foreign exchange for the Government. These production units are providing huge employment opportunities to the local people. Considering the high potential in this region, the National Horticultural Mission has identified and declared Krishnagiri district for promoting mango cultivation.
As the mango production is plenty, so is the production of mango pulp. The mango pulp industry in Krishnagiri district is the second largest exporter of pulp in the country which generates about Rs. 400 to 500 crore foreign exchange annually. Large number of mango processing units are also functioning here and the annual pulp production level is about 1 lakh tons. Out of the total mango pulp produced in India, one-fourth is contributed by both Krishnagiri and the neighbouring Dharmapuri districts. The increasing demand for mango pulp envisages rapid expansion of mango pulp industries in the region.
In order to cope with the increasing production of mango pulp, I urge upon the Union Government to set up proper cold storage facilities, establish adequate food processing industries and to set up an Agricultural Export Zone in Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu.