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Tiruchi, a good base for agro industries: CII

Our Bureau

CHENNAI, Feb. 21

TIRUCHI district can be developed as a centre for food and agro-based industries, according to a feasibility report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The report has suggested establishing an agro processing complex at an investment of Rs 75 crore and a cooperative marketing society. It has also explored the marketing opportunities at home and abroad, outlined marketing arrangements and the role of the governmental agencies.

The cultivated area in the district is estimated at 1,85,193 hectares, cultivable wasteland 12,760 hectares and barren land 15,372 hectares. Tiruchi district is one of the largest producers of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds and nuts. It account s for 25 per cent of the onion produced in Tamil Nadu and is the largest producer of banana.

However, there are no processing units, and cold storage capacity is 2,000 tonnes compared to a projected demand of 12,000-14,000 tonnes. The district has a potential to accommodate several food processing units. Storage and packaging facilities will hav e to be provided.

The focus should be on developing a product targeting the export market and not just diverting the excess produce for exports, the report said.

A 250-acre agro processing facility, involving an investment of Rs 75 crore, has been suggested. This will help the farmers and processors achieve competitive prices and cut post-harvest losses. Centralised facilities for steam, hot water, warehousing, c old storage, effluent treatment and biochemical analysis may be provided at the complex, said the report.

Marketing tie-up with large corporates and facilities for government agencies and financial institutions in agri-business could be provided.

The CII has called for category-wise cooperative marketing societies along the lines of those in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. These are expected to handle procurement, transport, storage, handling and distribution. Retail outlets could also be set up by the societies.

The domestic market offers potential for processed fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, cereals and pulses, and dairy, poultry and meat products. The export market could be tapped for non-basmati rice, and processed vegetables, fruits and spices. These products include mango pulp, banana puree and other products such as tapioca starch, acid lime, processed onions, dehydrated onion powder and frozen vegetables.

CII plans to hold an agro and food products equipment exhibition and seminar in June. The conference will aim at laying the ground work for a model corporate farm, organise overseas marketing tie-ups, arrange interactive sessions with major corporates in agri-businesses and focus on bio-technology. Government agencies, Ministries and financial institutions will be included in the deliberations.

Similar studies will be conducted in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Karur, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Pudukottai districts, CII said.