Spice park in C'magaluru district: Ananth Kumar

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Ananth Kumar said that the Centre, in association with the state government, has decided to set up a spice park in Chikkamagaluru district.

Stating that Kerala has a spice park. There is an ample opportunity for setting up spice park in the district. High-quality of black pepper is cultivated in the district, he said, speaking at the World Pepper Convention organised by the Black Gold League in town on Saturday.

The Union government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to increase the production of black pepper in the country, which will help India become a world leader in the production of the crop. About 25 to 50-acre land would be required for the setting up of a spice park. If the state government allots land, then the Centre will fund and provide the required technology for the park, he promised.

Ananth Kumar said that the Union government is ready to set up five Kisan Suvidha Kendras in Chikkamagaluru district. Sowing seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and farm equipment will be made available to agriculturists under one roof at these Kendras.

The state government should cooperate with the Centre by providing the space and building for the Suvidha Kendras, he added.

Satellite centre
He said that the Central Institute of Plastic Engineer and Technology satellite centre would be opened in Chikkamagaluru.

MP and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa said that there is a need to promote tourism in the district. The Centre should focus on developing Kemmannugundi, he suggested.

Pepper growers who had won international awards – B M Maheshkumar, Kenjige Keshav and Sathappanavar of SLN institute – were honoured on the occasion. The convention saw an exhibition of high quality of pepper, farm equipment, fertilisers, insecticides, organic manure, wine made from coffee, ginger and orange.

Representatives from USA, Netherland, Portuguese, Srilanka, and others participated in the convention.
DH News Service