One Santosh Kumar Sahu, a leading watermelon farmer of Budhapal under Riamal block in Deogarh district, recently met President Pranab Mukherjee and urged him to take steps for establishment of a mega agro-based industry in the district for processing of fruits and vegetables.
Santosh apprised the President that various fruits, particularly watermelon, and vegetables are produced in plenty in Deogarh and neighbouring districts.
“An agro-based industry will be of immense beneficial to farmers, who have been facing distress sale of watermelon, mango, litchi, chilli, zinger and all other agricultural and horticultural products during the harvesting season every year,” Sahu claimed to have told the President.
He further requested Mukherjee to establish cold storages in every block so that farmers can store their products and sell those at suitable prices during demand period.
Sahu named three blocks of Deogarh, Kuchinda and Redhakhole blocks of Sambalpur, Chhendipada, Bamur, Nakchi, Khamar, Pallahara areas of Angul, Bonei, Tikayatpali, Khandadhar, lahunipada, Sihidia areas of Sundargarh and Telkoi, Jagmohanpur of Keojhar district as major fruit and vegetable producing pockets of Odisha.
He informed that Chilli (laknka) of Kuchinda has a demand in national and international markets. “Establishment of an agro-based industry would also generate ample employment opportunities for the educated youths and agricultural labourers,” he pointed out.
Sahu said the President patiently heard him and assured him to take steps in this regard.