The state of Odisha is the largest lemon and mushroom producer in the country, said Agriculture Minister Arun Sahoo. Replying to a query in the House, the Minister stated that crop production has increased across the state. At insistence of the state Government, many youngsters had taken interest in farming during Covid-19 pandemic, for which agricultural production went up in the state.
“Odisha is now No.1 producer of lemons and mushrooms. Similarly, the state is in the second spot in terms of producing brinjals in the country. It is the fourth top surplus state in the country in paddy production,” Sahoo told the House. While 700 MT rice is being exported to different countries from Odisha, the state Government is aiming at increasing the quantity to 1,000 MT in coming days, he said.
Meanwhile, maximum number of cold storages are lying defunct in Odisha despite significant rise in agricultural production. Of 123, 79 cold storages are non-functional, Sahoo said answering to the House during Budget session of Assembly.
Out of existing cold storages, 4 belong to the Agriculture Department with capacity of 4,000 MT. As many as 18 cold storages are managed by the Cooperation Department.
Source: sambadenglish.com
Photo source: en.wikipedia.org
