It is the first in Karnataka, CFTRI experts to provide technical counselling to farmers
The Mango Development and Processing Centre, established at Madikere Cross in Chintamani taluk of Chickballapur district, has been opened up for the service of mango cultivators after a long wait.
Though the construction work of the centre, set up by the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation (KSMDMC), ended around three years ago it was left unused in the absence of a formal inauguration. Mango cultivators from Kolar and Chickballapur beside other parts of the State will benefit now.
Transport Minister K. Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated the centre on Monday, bringing cheers to mango farmers and traders as it will pave way for processing fruits in a most advanced manner. Constructed at a cost of around Rs. 7 crore, the centre is billed as the first of its kind in Karnataka, third largest mango producing State in the country.
The centre has been established with an aim of imparting training in safety measures to procure quality crop and guiding farmers about post-harvesting maintenance of mango, says Corporation chairperson Kamalakshi Rajanna.
Kolar and Chickballapur districts account for about 40 per cent of mango production in the State. Srinivasapur in Kolar and Chintamani in Chickballapur district contribute heavily for this. In spite of large-scale production, the State lagged behind in international marketing. Lack of awareness about nurturing of saplings, pre-harvesting and post-harvesting measures and absence of scientific methods of processing are blamed for this situation.
The centre was conceived to overcome these shortcomings. Facilities such as sorting and grading, washing, hot water treatment, ripening, packing, and processing technologies would be provided at the centre. This will help the farmers in following suitable methods, from selecting plant variety to post-harvesting and export. Demonstrations would be organised for farmers at the centre.
The centre has appointed experts from the Mysuru-based Centre for Food Technology and Research Institute (CFTRI) as technical advisors.
Main features
• State-of-the-art machineries to process up to 10 tonnes of mango a day.
• Hostel to accommodate about 60 farmers visiting the centre for training.
• Practical training cell.
• Hall to hold meeting with farmers.
• CFTRI experts to provide technical counselling.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Correpondent / Kolar – August 22nd, 2016