Scheme to boost horti farmers income

BANGALORE: The new state Integrated Horticulture Development scheme will help protect the interests of farmers from the current fiscal and increase their incomes by providing marketing linkages, said Principal Secretary of  Department of Horticultural and Sericulture Vandita Sharma.Speaking here on the 17th foundation day of Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Ltd (KAPPEC), Sharma said, “The prosperity should trickle down to the lowest level and reach every farmer. The scheme will provide marketing linkages, tie-ups, value addition processing and much more to help the farmers increase their income.” It is estimated that this scheme will cover 28,000 hectares, which will involve the cultivation of value added horticulture crops and benefit about 50,000 farmers. It is expected that Rs 450 crore worth horticultural produce will be increased every year by implementation of this scheme. The scheme aims to increase 5 per cent  production and 7 per cent productivity at a cost of `305 crore.“In Karnataka, only one per cent of the total production of fruits and vegetables are processed into different products. About 25-30 per cent of the produce is lost due to improper post harvest management. So, there is a greater need for revolution in food processing technology” said  Managing director of KAPPEC, Vishakanata.Three former managing directors of KAPPEC, Dr Chenappa Gowda, Dr Devendrappa and Dr Vasanth were also present.