By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 4 Sep: Radhika Jha, Secretary, Rural Development, conducted an inspection of the Agribusiness Growth Centre in Village Koti, established by the Integrated Livelihood Support Project (ILSP), now known as the Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP). Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Growth Centre focuses on the processing and value addition of local products, including apples.
During her visit, Secretary Jha observed the apple processing operations and the value addition processes for various local products. She also inspected the houses of eight beneficiaries built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Gram Panchayat Koti. Following this, she reviewed the Koti Dimou Motor Road, Vandhan Centre, and Block Office constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Block Kalsi.
At Kalsi, the Chairperson of Vishal Khat Ajeevika CLF and the Growth Centre personnel briefed Secretary Jha on the processing of local products such as apples, malta, ginger, and amla. These products are transformed into apple jam, apple chutney, ginger candy, and amla candy. Additionally, the centre sorts and grades local pulses and vegetables like rajma, tomatoes, and peas for marketing.
Secretary Jha was informed that the Growth Centre processed and sold 200 quintals of apples last year, generating a business of Rs 33 lakhs. She commended the women’s efforts and directed district and state-level officers to market the Apple Marmalade and Ginger Candy produced by the women through the House of Himalayas, and to sell Wheat Mooda (a local product) through canteens and outlets in the Secretariat.
Furthermore, Secretary Jha instructed state-level officers and District Project Manager, Dehradun, Kailash Chandra Bhatt, to address the renovation and machinery needs of the Growth Centre and to train women in producing new products. The women expressed their gratitude and inspiration from the Secretary’s visit, presenting her and the Chief Development Officer with traditional baskets, Dhaudu, and self-made products.
During the visit, Chief Development Officer of Dehradun district, Jharna Kamthan, Deputy Commissioner, RD, Rajput Singh, Project Director, DRDA, Vikram Singh, District Development Officer, Dehradun, Sunil Singh, District Project Manager, Kailash Chandra Bhatt, Block Development Officer, Development Blocks Kalsi, Jagat Singh, Vikasnagar, Shakti Prasad Bhatt, and Sahaspur, Munni Shah, Block Pramukh, Kalsi, Mathore Singh, and all district and block level staff of REAP and NRLM were present.
Following her visit to Kalsi, Secretary Jha inspected the Vikasnagar office of Vikaskhand and the Uttara Saras Centre in Sahaspur. She also reviewed the TC Shankarpur and RBI offices.
