SHILLONG, Oct 5 - Landlocked regions like North East would benefit immensely once the Central Government�s decision to attach �Cold chain bogies� with superfast passenger trains, stashed with perishable goods, take shape in the coming days.
Talks between Ministry of Food Processing Industry and Indian Railways is in an advanced stage to have such cold chain bogies attached with superfast passenger trains.
Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said during a meeting here on Tuesday that due to poor condition of roads in the region, climatic conditions and difficult terrain, trucks take a longer time to reach destinations.
This results in huge loss perishable items and so the Centre has been constantly trying to have cold chain bogies and also more cold chains in the region.
�The region is facing problems due to inability of trucks to reach parts of NE on time,� she said adding, therefore cold chain bogies would benefit the region immensely.
It is necessary that cold chain infrastructure in the food producing hubs are created. �In various sectors, be it spices or food grains, North East has a lot of scope for development,� the Union Minister said.
There is a huge potential for the Food and Agri business to flourish in Northeastern States. At present, there are three mega food park projects in the NE, one each in Tripura, Mizoram and Assam, and five cold chain projects, one in Manipur and two each in Mizoram and Assam. The Ministry is contemplating to set up more mega food park projects in the region, she stated.
Meanwhile, Special Secretary to the Ministry, JP Meena expressed optimism that NE States would send proposals for the setting up of cold chains and mega food park projects.
�Meghalaya hasn�t been able to take advantage of the Ministry�s schemes. If the State wants to develop its horticulture produce, then infrastructure like cold chains must be built,� Meena asserted.
SHILLONG, Oct 5 - Landlocked regions like North East would benefit immensely once the Central Government�s decision to attach �Cold chain bogies� with superfast passenger trains, stashed with perishable goods, take shape in the coming days.
Talks between Ministry of Food Processing Industry and Indian Railways is in an advanced stage to have such cold chain bogies attached with superfast passenger trains.
Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said during a meeting here on Tuesday that due to poor condition of roads in the region, climatic conditions and difficult terrain, trucks take a longer time to reach destinations.
This results in huge loss perishable items and so the Centre has been constantly trying to have cold chain bogies and also more cold chains in the region.
�The region is facing problems due to inability of trucks to reach parts of NE on time,� she said adding, therefore cold chain bogies would benefit the region immensely.
It is necessary that cold chain infrastructure in the food producing hubs are created. �In various sectors, be it spices or food grains, North East has a lot of scope for development,� the Union Minister said.
There is a huge potential for the Food and Agri business to flourish in Northeastern States. At present, there are three mega food park projects in the NE, one each in Tripura, Mizoram and Assam, and five cold chain projects, one in Manipur and two each in Mizoram and Assam. The Ministry is contemplating to set up more mega food park projects in the region, she stated.
Meanwhile, Special Secretary to the Ministry, JP Meena expressed optimism that NE States would send proposals for the setting up of cold chains and mega food park projects.
�Meghalaya hasn�t been able to take advantage of the Ministry�s schemes. If the State wants to develop its horticulture produce, then infrastructure like cold chains must be built,� Meena asserted.
