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Title : Need to set up a Food Processing Industry in Krishanagiri district, Tamil Nadu.
SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM (KRISHNAGIRI): Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu accounts for maximum mango production in the country with nearly 36,000 hectares coming under it. This District contributes more than 60% of the total mango production in the State. Out of the mango production from Krishnagiri district, major portion goes to the pulp processing units.
The pulp production in the district has increased over the years and it is estimated to touch 75,000 tonnes by 2010. There are roughly 25 processing units of fruit pulp in private sector in Krishnagiri District. Also, 35,000 tonnes offruit juice is extracted every year. About 30 to 40 thousand people are employed in mango cultivation. Apart from these, there are about 150 private mango nursery units producing saplings are located in and around Krishnagiri. Krishnagiri district exports mango based products worth Rs. 1,000 million.
As a result of inadequate storage facilities and due to unscientific handling, the fruits are often loaded and unloaded in an unscientific manner. Further, to protect the mangoes from being getting rotten and also to fetch adequate revenue to the farmers and to the Government through export of mango products, there is an urgent need for setting up of a Food Processing Industry in the Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu with the assistance of the Union Government. Hence, I urge upon the Hon’ble Minister to kindly consider and do that needful.