The Horticulture department of Tamil Nadu has set up a food processing centre for production of squash, jams and jellies at Karumandurai farm in Salem district. The centre will develop value-added products from organic produce cultivated on a farm spread over 1,000 acre.

As per sources, the department will cultivate guava, mango, papaya, amla, tomato, brinjal, chillies and some other varieties using organic methods. No chemical fertilisers will be used. To provide training to farmers and develop value- added products, the department has established a processing centre in the premises at Rs 15 lakh.

While speaking to FnB News, K Satheeshkumar, Horticultural Officer, Karumandurai, said, "We have started production this year only and can store these organic products upto 12 months and use it, we are selling in whole Salem district. In future we have planned to sell the products all over Tamil Nadu through TANHODA outlet in each district, which is set up by our Horticulture department".

Explaining further, he said, "Farmers will be benefited from this processing unit and this unit will help in reduction of waste of fruit and vegetables, will be procured and utilised for processing purpose, this can also help farmers to earn extra."

“Post-harvest losses will be rectified from this technology. If farmers are well aware about this means, they can utilise it in processing and store it in future and also earn money,” he added.

He said, "The products have no preservatives and will be marketed through the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency outlets. Presently, they were manufacturing pickles from lemon, amla, garlic and jam, jelly and squash were being produced from guava, papaya, apples, grapes and mangoes."