India: € 22 mln sought to expand horticulture

State Government has sought Rs 120 crore aid from the Centre to improve and expand horticulture.

Horticulture Minister R Sreenivas told reporters that he had sought aid to improve facilities such as inter-State marketing and transport and procurement of horticulture crops.

When asked if cold storages would be set up, he said the Government was toying with the idea of handing over three of them to private parties.

While cold storages at Mysore and Bagalkot were functioning well, those at Chikballapur, Bangalore and Kolar were ready for use, he added.

He said department officials working on deputation with other departments would be recalled and deployed at taluks and hoblis to educate farmers about horticulture.

Three of the four staff members working in each minister’s bungalow, would also be withdrawn, he added.

Srinivas said a week-long mango fair showcasing varieties of mangoes and products made out of the fruit, would be held at Lal Bagh from May 25.

Source