Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a fruit processing plant at Paneri and Chaygaon, the largest-ever cold storage facility in Northeast India.
The facility, which cost the state government Rs 24.75 crores to build, has a storage capacity of 5,000 MT.
The owner of Bhogali Jalpan proprietor Ajit Sarma Baruah and his wife Anjali Sarma Baruah were commended by the chief minister for stepping up to establish the Paneri food processing centre for Rs 2.89 crores. Notably, the state government gave the centre a 50% subsidy.
Taking to twitter, CM Sarma said, “Inaugurated North East’s biggest cold storage with 5,000-MT capacity at Chaygaon, which will augment our agri infrastructure. This facility built at a cost of ₹24.75 cr will result in huge savings for our farmers who lose part of their produce due to lack of storage facilities.
Meanwhile, addressing a public rally at Chhaygaon College playground on the occasion, CM Sarma said, “Inauguration of the cold storage with 5,000-MT capacity at Chaygaon and the fruit processing centre at Paneri marks a new chapter in Assam’s agriculture sector. Food processing and proper packaging of agri-horticultural produce will lead to economic transformation in our State.”
The Assam Chief Minister also emphasised the need to cultivate high-value trees like sal, agar, teak, etc. at home in order to profit economically.
The CM added in his speech, “We will raise the MSP for paddy to Rs 2,006, bring 9 lakh more people under Orunodoi ambit starting next month, distribute 52 lakh ration cards starting in January of next year, provide free medical care to ration card holders up to Rs 5 lakhs, and establish 25 new colleges in the following year.”