Dip in Kalimpong cardamom production a concern...Singh says earlier a farmer in Kalimpong used to earn Rs 20 lakh per annum from cardamom

SNS, 30 JANUARY 2020, SILIGURI: Founder Chairman of Mani Trust and Advisor to the Kalimpong chapter of Chamber of Commerce, Subhas Mani Singh today said that cardamom cultivators' family members in Kalimpong are in search of jobs because cardamom cultivation has been hit by diseases.

According to him, a farmer used to earn Rs 20 latch per annum by producing cardamom in Kalimpong until a few years ago.

Addressing the Food Tech Conclave held here today, Mr Singh raised the issue, as he discussed 'Bottlenecks and Opportunities of Natural Good Resources in Darjeeling Hills.' "Who will take initiatives to try production there?" he told the conclave organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and sponsored by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. Addressing the meeting, Chairman of the ICC, North Bengal Chapter, Nishant Mittal, said: "Indian food services market, both organised and unorganised, had been estimated at INR 3,37,500 crore in 2017, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10 percent over the next 5 years to reach 1 BR 5,52,000 crore by 2022. India's goods processing industry is set to become the most robust sector, which will be crucial in doubling farmers' income by 2022."

Talking to reporters, Mr Mital said: "Researchers and experts from the North Bengal University will take care of the disease that has affected cardamom cultivation in Kalimpong.  ICC is now the platform. Many experts joined the conclave today. In north Bengal, there is huge potential in the food processing and horticulture sector. We are keeping in touch with the state government for the development of the infrastructure. After completion of the Asian Highway connecting India with three neighboring countries, Siliguri has become a business hub. We have also planned to develop Ghoshpukur in Siliguri, which connects both National Highways and Asian Highways, keeping in touch with the state government."

On the other hand, Professor at the Food Processing Technology, Government of India, PMKSY, Binod KumarYadav, elaborately discussed the low cost food technology and another expert from the Financial Escort Services, Supriyo Saha, discussed the PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojona) scheme on the North Bengal Perspective including prospects of T0P (tomato onion and potato) crops.

Professor and Director of the Siliguri Institute of Technology, Dr Pradosh Kumar Adhvaryyu, discussed the available food processing technologies, while professor of Biotechnology, University of North Bengal, Dr Ranadhir Chakraborty spoke on future innovation in the food-based industry for North Bengal.

Asst. Professor, Department of Food Technology, University of North Bengal, Dr Kriti Ghatani, highlighted the importance of microbiology in quality assurance and food and beverages.

As the Assistant Professor of Kurseong College under the NBU, Dr Shankar Prasad Sha, selected fermented food and its micro biome and preservation as topics to speak on, another professional, Chief Executive, Simple Solution, Souvik Banerjee, discussed food safety and certification.

Director of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Madhuparna Bhowmicic, urged interested entrepreneurs in North Bengal to apply for PMKSY schemes directly or contact officials of the ICC by 31 March 2020.