Itanagar: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Dr Charan Das Mahant on Friday said he would consider the establishment of a food park in Arunachal Pradesh. On a plea by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for setting up the food park at Kimin, the minister said he would consider it with utmost priority and that the state government would have to provide land for it.
“My ministry is providing special purpose vehicle under mega food park to various states at an estimated cost of 50 crore. The state government needs to provide at least 35-50 acre for such a project,” he said addressing farmers at the valedictory function of the three-day first state level Krishi Expo and Kishan Mela here.
He said, his ministry has earmarked several projects for the state including a 342 crore project under National Food Security Mission. The minister also assured to consider the proposal for setting up a horticulture college in the state after due consultation with Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.
Stating that there would be no dearth of central funds, Mohant said his ministry has been providing support to small and marginal farmers through various central schemes. He also asked Arunachal Pradesh to be a pioneer in organic farming considering the state’s climate. (PTI)