The Hindu Business Line : Tech sought for tissue culture labs in Bengal

Kolkata March 15 Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr M.L. Meena, Secretary of Department of Food-processing and Horticulture, West Bengal, held out prospects for inflow of farm-related technical services in areas like tissue culture (for floriculture parks) through collaborative ventures between Dutch and Bengal-based companies.

The State Government has identified 100 acres for floriculture parks in two areas and quality planting materials would be made available through such collaborative ventures with the private sector, Mr Meena said. He added that some proposals from potential partners have been received. He particularly sought Dutch help in marketing and packaging areas.

Seeking help

Citing the problems in vegetable production that have to be tackled upfront in the State, he sought Dutch help in the area of quality planting materials, particularly for improved varieties of potato crop, in which Bengal is second after Uttar Pradesh.

Funds for any technical collaboration could be easily found through the extensive programmes under the National Horticulture Mission. Lack of such quality materials is affecting both floriculture and horticulture in the State, he pointed out.

Mr Meena also sought Dutch help for setting up tissue culture labs in the State. Citing lack of good training facilities as a hindrance for capacity-building, he said the State Government is now exploring the possibility of projects with Dutch companies based on the PPP model, as per the provisions of the National Horticulture Mission.

Mr Meena said three sites have been identified for setting up a hub and spoke of terminal markets for vegetables in South 24 Parganas, Dankuni and Barasat.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Technology | Events | West Bengal

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