With the laying of the foundation stone of the spice park at SIIDCUl industrial estate in Sitarganj on Monday, the farmers of the hill State will soon be able to export their produce like ginger which is highly-popular not only in India but also across the globe due to its special quality, after getting it processed and packaged as per laid-down international standards at this spice park.
The interesting fact is that Uttarakhand’s ginger ranks first not only in India but also abroad, said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, while laying the foundation stone of the spice park at Sitarganj on Monday.
“India has been exporter of spices since ancient times. Presently, India exports 87 per cent turmeric and mint leaves and 41 per cent ginger and chilly. Now with opening of this spice park we will be able to prepare our export items like ginger, chilly to name a few as per the international standards of packaging and quality,” added Sharma.
At the same time, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister also expressed hope that opening of the spice park will not only help give necessary push to industrial and economic growth but also generate employment opportunities, adding that with the opening of this spice park both the industrialists and farmers will be benefited.
At the same time, he also assured the State Government to extend all possible support for the development of the hill State, adding in this regard, the Central Government is also planning to give special package to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking on this occasion, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said that investment in the ill State has seen an upward trend after setting up of industries here.
More so, development of SIIDCUl phase -1 and SIIDCUl phase-2 in Sitarganj has given necessary push to the industrial growth, he added.
According to a survey, Uttarakhand is now among the developed States, leaving behind UP and Bihar. Better industrial growth resulting in increasing investment and other developmental activities that have taken place in the hill State could be possible due to development-oriented policies of the State Government and due cooperation from the Central Government, added the Chief Minister.
Among others State Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya, State Education Minister and Minister in charge of Udham Singh Nagar district, Mantri Prasad Naithani, State Urban Development and Food Processing Minister Preetam Singh Panwar were also present on this occasion.