NWFP: Potato processing plant in Mansehra planned

[Naveed Yaseen]

MANSEHRA: NWFP government with the support of growers would set up a potato processing plant worth Rs9 million, to improve the living conditions of the earthquake-hit farmers.

In that connection, a meeting of potato growers was held with Project Director Agri-business NWFP, Syed Zakir Hussain Shah. Potato growers said that the source of income of farmers affected by October 8, 2005 earthquake had been completely shattered.

They demanded of the provincial government to work more to help the farmers and said, “if the government helped the farmers of the affected areas, they would not only earn their living but a green revolution would also be brought in the country as the Mansehra district is producing high-quality potatoes in the world.”

Besides potato, they said the government should also work on crops of olive, tobacco and vegetables to increase the income sources and production. Elaborating on the terms and conditions of joint ventures, Shah said that the government would contribute Rs4.2 million out of a total of Rs9 million, while potato growers would contribute the remaining amount of Rs4.8 million.

“After three years of term, all rights of ownership will be transferred to the growers,” he said, adding, the step was being taken not only to increase the potato production in the earthquake affected Mansehra district but also to enhance the income of the growers.

Zakir said the provincial government was striving hard to enhance its agri-production as the country had been facing a food shortage and farmers should also come forward to play their due role.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=144659