CDFPF urges Minister to enhance subsidy for mango units

Tirupati, Jan 7 (UNI) Chittoor District Fruit Processors Federation (CDFPF ) urged the Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh to enhance subsidy to 50 per cent from 25 per cent for modernisation of mango processing units in the District.

The Federation President K Balakrishna Reddy, while submitting a letter to the Union Minister yesterday said the Chittoor district was declared as Agri Export Zone (AEZ) for mango pulp and vegetables three years ago, but no additional benefits were extended for the units.

Out of 52 units in the district, he said some were falling sick and facing crisis due to various reasons, including seasonal nature.

Mr Reddy urged Mr Ramesh to enhance the present ceiling of Rs five lakh maximum per beneficiary to Rs 20 lakh for converting the thatched sheds into permanent sheds.

He said to avoid pollution, the Government should offer 75 per cent grant to construct effluent treatment plants at units. To promote the processing industry, Government should advise the bankers to extend liberal working capital limits with six per cent interest, he added.

UNI