Gram Kota 2017
Kota is a subsumption of three agriculture-centric divisions – Jhalawar, Baran and Bundi. While the preparations are on for this eagerly awaited event, setbacks faced by farmers have been recorded and a slew of improvement areas have been identified.
The event will bring all stakeholders- farmers from in and around Kota, academicians, technologists, agribusiness companies and policy makers – to accelerate development of sustainable agricultural and allied activities through innovative methods and best practices.
Why Kota?
Neelkamal Darbari, state principal secretary, agriculture and horticulture said, “Kota is the world’s largest producer of coriander; the division accounts for 95% of the herb production in Rajasthan.”
“A newer variety of coriander with higher oil concentration can be introduced in the division,” Darbari added.
Storage and post-harvest management of coriander need to be improved. Manufacturing pharmaceuticals with coriander as an ingredient and branding and marketing of the produce can be explored by investors, Darbari said.
The Kota region recorded 98% of the state’s orange production in 2015-2016, she said.
“The division is also the fourth largest producer of oranges and garlic in India. A growing production of garlic should attract processing units,” she said. “There is scope for investment in setting up cold storage structures, processing dehydrated garlic, producing its flakes and powder, and manufacturing medicines based on the crop,” she added.
The division has a centre of excellence (CoE) focused on citrus fruits at Nanta in Kota district. “There are opportunities in production, storage and processing of citrus fruits. There is potential for production of new varieties of oranges, such as Valencia and Jaffa, with higher pulp content,” Darbari said.
The task of branding and marketing of local crops can be taken up by the investors. A slew of areas for investments has been identified. These include production orange puree and juice concentrate or other higher value added products, officials said.
Kota contributes about 24% of guava production in the state. Maximum produce is produced locally, thereby providing a lucrative opportunity for all farmers.
Lucrative Opportunities for Investors
The opportunity of producing guava jams, jellies and juices can be tapped by investors. officials said.
“Strawberry, pomegranate and dragon fruit can be grown in the division to improve farmers’ income,” Darbari said.
Because of highly favorable conditions, Kota is the most sought after destination for the production of medicinal plants, such as ashwagandha and Isabgol.
GRAM Kota is being organized by the state government in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
If you don’t want to miss out on this event, you can register yourself at the official site of GRAM and become a part of this stellar event.
