Gajapati admn plans to revive turmeric processing unit

Berhampur: The Gajapati administration has decided to revive a defunct turmeric processing unit at Ramagiri and hand it over to a women self-help group (SHG) for its operation.
The unit was established in 2018 at an investment of Rs 17.50 lakh by the district administration. A local producers group was managing the unit, while Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Paralakhemundi, was looking after its functioning. The unit, however, became defunct after its operation was stopped for around a year due to some unknown reasons, sources said. “We have decided to revive the unit and engage a women self-help group to operate it,” said Lingaraj Panda, Gajapati collector. In order to procure raw materials for the unit, the district administration has also planned to expand turmeric cultivation in Gajapati.
Romanchal Khamari, executive officer, zilla parishad, said a meeting with officers concerned was held recently to discuss the revival of the unit. Officials of Mission Shakti and horticulture departments, Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) and block development officer (BDO), R Udayagiri, among others, attended the meeting.
Priyambada Bisoi, district project manager, OLM, said they have selected a local SHG to operate the processing unit. “A loan of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the SHG. The SHG members will procure the turmeric from local growers using the funds. They will sell the processed turmeric,” she said.
She said they have approached the company which installed the machines about five years ago. “Mechanics of the company will come to repair the machinery parts. We will also request the ITDA, Paralakhemundi, to clear the electricity bill arrears,” she added.