In order to enhance the income of farmers in Arunachal Pradesh, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has established a centre for post-harvest processing and research at Naharlagun.
The centre would cater to the needs of farmers of the State through technological solutions and training to improve their knowledge and skills through post-harvest handling, processing, water purification and renewable energy technologies.
‘The centre will benefit our farmers as it will provide technical know-how to them through training and various skill development activities,’ said State Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Diary Development Minister, Tage Taki. The centre will also facilitate farmers with technologies and knowledge on how to wash, slice and dry spices like ginger and turmeric for commercial marketing.
‘Arunachal Pradesh produces good quality of ginger, turmeric, chilly and other spice crops, but the lack of preservation and post-harvest processing technology for these crops have forced farmers to sell their produces at a low price for a very long period,’ the Minister pointed out.
Durgapur-based CSIR-CMERI Director, Dr Haris Hirani, informed that the centre would help farmers of the State get proper value for their produce and will also help in economic upliftment. ‘CSIR has given major emphasis to post-harvest processing, waste management, water purification, renewable energy for North East so that the region emerges as a strong economic entity,’ Dr Hirani stated. The cost of the post harvesting unit is around Rs 10.5 lakh.
