Agro Food Chamber expressed their expectations ahead of the presentation of the state government's 2023-2024 budget to the assembly on March 20. The Rethinavelu demanded in the memorandum that the government implements 'Ridgeless Cultivation,' a method in which the ridges of their small land holdings are removed with cutting-edge technology on a large span of land of at least 100 acres to achieve high productivity.
He also requested that the government establish a millets board, similar to the coffee board. He also stated that the GST rates for spices and millets should be exempted or reduced from 18% to 5%.
"Agriculture should be made a mandatory subject in schools and colleges, and the southern districts should be designated as food processing hubs. Exports should also be encouraged. Marketing committees should have adequate warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other auxiliary infrastructure. Furthermore, intra-state river linkage projects should be prioritized, and more funds should be allocated, "he added.
About Agro Food Chamber of Commerce & Industry:
This forum is perfectly placed as an all-industry trade association, serving the needs of every segment of the Eastern region's Agriculture and Food industry, including Growers, Agri Input Manufacturers, Cold Storage / Cold Chain, Processors, Equipment Provider, Retailers, Foodservice Operators, Logistics Providers, Distributors, and Suppliers.
Members of the forum collaborate closely with the federal and state governments to develop policy frameworks for the development of food processing industries that take into account socioeconomic objectives, training needs, modernization, technological advancement, quality improvement, productivity, job creation, exports, and so on.
