Cachar Admn initiates measures to strengthen pineapple processing infrastructure

way2barak, June 14:- In a move aimed at improving market opportunities for pineapple growers and reducing post-harvest losses, the District Administration Cachar has initiated steps to strengthen pineapple processing infrastructure and cold-chain facilities in the district.

The initiative was discussed at a meeting with Hmar pineapple growers chaired by Cachar’s District Commissioner,Aayush Garg, IAS, at the old conference hall of DC’S office here on thursday.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the phase-wise utilisation of NITI Aayog funds for developing infrastructure and procuring machinery required for pineapple processing. The proposed interventions are expected to help minimise post-harvest losses, improve product quality and create greater scope for value addition.

A discussion was also held for the need for a refrigerated van to facilitate the transportation of fresh pineapples to distant markets. Local growers present in the meeting also shared their challenges of transporting perishable produce over long distances and the meeting emphasised the urgent procurement of a refrigerated vehicle to ensure better market access and improved returns for farmers.

The meeting also discussed the infrastructure and equipment required to support pineapple processing activities in the district.In the meeting it was decided that the necessary machinery and facilities would be procured in a phased manner based on requirements, with the objective of strengthening the entire pineapple value chain and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local farmers.

The meeting was also attended by Rajib Roy, ACS, District Development Commissioner, Cachar and Dhrubajyoti Pathak, ACS, Additional District Commissioner, Cachar-cum-Co-District Commissioner, Lakhipur along with growers and other stakeholders.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone, Silchar Assam.