Karnataka to Get Its First Horticultural Produce Processing Cluster

Karnataka state is all set to have a horticultural produce processing cluster in Ramanagara district. This is the first cluster in the state. According to Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C N Ashwatha Narayan, who is also the district in-charge minister of Ramanagara, the cluster will include a mango processing unit.  

The cluster would be built on a PPP model, with an expected investment of roughly Rs.500 crore. This project will take up 15 acres of land at Bhairapatna, near Ramanagara, out of a total of 40 acres available.

“A mango processing unit, including common facilities, will be established in about four acres and for this, the Central Government has been asked to provide Rs 10 crore under the Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR) scheme,” informed Ashwath Narayan. 

Five horticulture produce processing units will be built on the next 11 acres of land to help farmers add value to their produce. According to Ashwath Narayan, an expression of interest for this project would be issued soon.

This project is expected to cost roughly Rs.500 crores, according to the government. In this sense, the government has asked private players to participate. According to the Deputy CM's words, those who come forward will be given a subsidy of more than 40%.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that 20 acres of land will be allocated for the construction of a high-tech silk market. This property is located on the grounds of a Ramanagaram-based sericulture training institute. This project will be funded by NABARD, which has set aside Rs.75 crores. The budget also stated this.

(Also read: A Brief Guide TO Horticulture)