Regarding Need for establishment of Mega Food Park in Kalahandi district, Odisha under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana-Laid

Regarding Need for establishment of Mega Food Park in Kalahandi district, Odisha under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana-Laid SHRIMATI MALVIKA DEVI (KALAHANDI): I wish to draw the attention of the Government towards the need for establishing a Mega Food Park in Kalahandi district of Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. Kalahandi is an aspirational and predominantly agrarian district with significant production of paddy, pulses, oilseeds, millets and horticultural crops. Despite being agro-rich, the district lacks adequate food processing infrastructure, cold storage facilities and value-addition units. As a result, farmers are compelled to sell their produce at distress prices and large quantities of agricultural produce go to waste due to lack of storage and processing facilities. Further, Kalahandi faces a serious issue of seasonal migration. A Mega Food Park would generate local employment opportunities, promote agro-based industries, encourage women Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations, and strengthen the rural economy. It would also contribute to reducing migration and improving the socio-economic condition of the district. I hence request the Government to treat this matter with priority in the larger interest of farmers and youth of my Parliamentary Constituency.