Project likely to be operational within 1 year: Dr Rio
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 12
MLA Nuklutoshi on Thursday sought the intervention of Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for the early completion and operationalisation of the Common Facility Centre (CFC) Food Processing Unit at Yaongyimsen in Mokokchung district.
Raising the issue through a starred question during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly here, Nuklutoshi requested the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to ensure that the facility becomes operational at the earliest.
He said the project would benefit farmers and entrepreneurs not only in Mokokchung district but also in neighbouring districts such as Longleng, Mon and Tuensang, besides parts of Zunheboto and Wokha. The project would benefit lakhs of local farmers as well as educated unemployed youth, he added.
Responding to a query on when the CFC Food Processing Unit is expected to be completed and made operational, Rio informed the House that the project is likely to be completed and become operational within one year if the 60 per cent central share is released by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Nuklutoshi recalled that the project was first conceptualised in 2009 when he was serving as chairman of the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation. He said that along with the late Bendangtoshi Longkumer, the then managing director of the corporation, efforts were made to set up the project. However, the proposal could not be implemented at the time due to shortage of funds.
He expressed appreciation to former MLA Imnatiba for reviving and seriously pursuing the project, stating that the initiative had been placed before the government twice to move it forward. He also acknowledged the concern shown by Industries and Commerce Advisor Hekani Jakhalu towards the project.
Highlighting the importance of the CFC, Nuklutoshi said the facility is designed to manufacture, process and package agricultural produce.
The unit will process fruits such as pomegranate, jackfruit, mango, pineapple, berries, papaya and grapes into juice, pulp and jam. It will also undertake vegetable processing, including mixed vegetable pickles, mango and lemon pickles, garlic paste, ready-to-eat salads and sauces.
In addition, spices such as black pepper, chilli powder, turmeric and cardamom will be processed and packaged at the facility, he added.
