August 19, 2019
Technological interventions for farmers and SHGs
The West Bengal Comprehensive Area Development Corporation (CADC) has started making new technological interventions for the economic development of farmers and self-help groups (SHG).
A lot of fruits, vegetables and fish are wasted due to lack of modern storage infrastructure. This is where the CADC is chipping in.
Working for rural development
The CADC is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. It works for the development of the State through area-based development programmes, providing infrastructural and technological inputs for increasing agricultural and allied production, and ensuring the reaching of maximum benefits to the cultivators.
Solar dehydration machines in five places
The corporation is installing solar dehydration machines at five places to preserve and extend the shelf life of various foods.
The machines are being installed at Tamluk in Purba Medinipur, Debra in Paschim Medinipur, Ayodhya Hills in Purulia, Haringhata in Nadia and Siliguri.
Dry fish production in Tamluk, mushroom cultivation by SHGs in Debra and parts of Jhargram during winter, tomato cultivation in the Ayodhya Hills, millet cultivation in Kalimpong and orchid cultivation in the Hills will benefit from the setting up of these dehydration machines.
On an average, each machine has a capacity to store around 120kg. They are priced at Rs 2.33 lakh each. The machine essentially comprises of a dehydrator that uses a heat source and air flow to reduce the water content of foods.
The water content of food is usually very high, typically 80–95 percent for various fruits and vegetables and 50–75 percent for various meats. Removing moisture from food restrains various bacteria from growing and spoiling food.
Ice plant machines in four places
The CADC is also installing ice plant machines at four places – Haringhata, Tamluk, Siliguri and Kaliaganj (in Uttar Dinajpur district) – mainly for the purpose of storing small fishes. Each machine costs around Rs 2.40 lakh.
Fish vending machines
Minor interventions are also being made by the CADC in developing live fish vending machines in Tamluk. The machines, fitted at the backs of e-rickshaws, are helping people vend live fishes.
Source: Millennium Post
