With an aim to make Jharkhand self-sufficient in indigenous forest products sector, the State Government will soon establish honey processing plants in nine districts in order to boost honey production.
Attempting hard to revive the cottage industries which is directly associated with the endurance of various forest dwelling communities, Chief Minister Raghubar Das while distributing beekeeping boxes among the farmers here on Saturday assured them that the State government is committed to bring change and will take all possible initiatives to promote honey and other forest goods at a reasonable price.
“None of the farmers involved in the honey production have to worry about the market linkage of their honey or any other forest items. The State government will provide them a proper market. Also, after carrying out processing process, branding and marketing of honey will be done through Cottage Industry board. Meanwhile, if all goes well, the government will also sign an agreement with Baba Ramdev’s Brand ‘Patanjali’.”
During a programme organized by Jharkhand Khadi Gramudyog Board here in State Capital, the CM distributed 1000 beekeeping boxes among 100 farmers who had come from Angara, Chahno and other districts.
Taking the concept of ‘Sweet Revolution’ ahead, 2.5 lakh beekeeping boxes will be distributed soon among 10 thousand farmers, residing in Jharkhand. The Government has also planned to rope in 600 trainers from Vikash Bharti and Ramkrishna Mission for imparting training to over 10 thousand farmers in beekeeping techniques.
Similarly, speaking about other forest produces like lac that have similar importance and can capture a huge market share, the CM said that besides, setting up processing plant for honey production, the government will also establish a lac processing unit.
As per records, 62 percent lac is produced here in Jharkhand. “With the establishment of a lac processing unit, the farmers will be able to get sufficient revenue and the State Government will be able to double the income of the farmers by 2022 as per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Das said.
“Farmers must indulge themselves in lac production as well. like honey branding and marketing, the State government is also working to boost lac business through its promotion by ‘Sakhi Mandalis’ (Women Self Help Groups). These initiatives to promote forest products will ultimately benefit the poor people as the government will buy all final products from the farmers while providing them several prospects.”
Also, to popularise Khadi and other indigenous items, the State government will provide an acre land for establishing Khadi Mall at HEC. The CM said that Khadi Mall concept will benefit the people belonging to marginalised section through creating ample job opportunities. The State government may also collaborate with a few companies to promote forest items, assured the CM on the occasion.
“Our aim is to bring poor people into the mainstream by creating sufficient job opportunities while exploring diverse sectors that can be used in eradicating poverty. Soon, 2500 youths will be employed in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. To bring Jharkhand on the world’s map, attempts must be made from all sides,” the CM further added.
Jharkhand Khadi Board Chairperson Sanjay Seth, Vikash Bharti Secretary Ashok Bhagat, Secretary, Industries, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Managing Director, Jharcraft, Renu Gopinath Parikkar, Khadi Board CEO, Dipankar Panda were present on the occasion along with other dignitaries.