Lack of infrastructure in Uttaranchal biggest problem: Ramesh

Dehra Dun, June 2 (UNI) Terming Uttaranchal a state rich in organic product, Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said it could be developed into a premier export centre, provided necessary infrastructure is laid down.

''The lack of infrastructure in the state is the biggest problem and to develop it into a export hub it is essential that these problems are throughly addressed,'' Mr Ramesh said while addressing a press cconference here yesterday.

Speaking about the government's initiatives in Uttaranchal, he said more emphasis would be given to export herbal and aeromatic plants and Lichis from the state.

Mr Ramesh said a testing lab to ensure export quality, packaging units and other required infrastructures would be set up in the state to boost export of the products with an investment of Rs 15-16 crore from the centre.

''A cold storage at Dehra Dun Airport and packaging units in various places would also be set up,'' he said, adding women self help groups (SHGs) could be involved in increasing Lichi production .

He said like Basmati rice of the state, which was already being exported, other organic products of the state like tea and fruits would also be exported.

Pointing out that about 75 to 80 per cent of country's export schemes have been provided mainly to 5 states, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, he said, ''The other backward and land locked states also should be extended help.'' UNI LPT CS KN1418