more-in THENI An integrated food processing park would come up on a 27-acre plot on Aranmanaipudur-Veerapandi stretch in the district, said Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam here on Thursday. After inspecting the site, accompanied by Collector M. Pallavi Baldev and officials of Revenue and Agriculture Marketing and Agri Business departments, Mr. Panneerselvam said the district produced different types of vegetables and fruits, including grape and mango, in high volumes. Whenever markets were flooded with huge arrivals, the prices crashed, resulting in farmers suffering loss. The farmers could store their produce in the food processing park during such times. They could sell their commodities at the right time, explore opportunities for exporting them and expand their businesses through value addition, he noted. The Collector said farmers and players in agro industries could make use of the integrated park. The government would earmark funds and works would commence soon. Players in the agro industries said the government should train local farmers, especially the youth, in handling machines and other related works. The district administration should ensure uninterrupted power supply and backup facility, which was essential for cold storage facility.

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