Centre was urged to set up a 'Dal Cluster' in Gulbarga

Gulbarga, May 16 (UNI) A delegation of Hyderabad-Karnataka region, led by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechuri met Congress Supremo Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister for Commerce Kamalnath and urged them to set up a 'Dal Cluster' in Gulbarga.

Talking to newsmen here Hyderabad-Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HKCCI) President Umakanth Nigudagi said that the leaders, who were met by the delegation in New Delhi recently, have assured to consider the demand favourably.

The delegation, besides HKCCI President, included Mr Iqbal Ahmed Saradagi MP, Karnataka Pranta Rytu Sangh President Maruthimanpade.

Mr Nigudagi said that there are 130 Dal processing unit in Gulbarga, which has earned reputation as 'tur bowl' of the state, but there was no pulse cluster forcing the growers to export all their produce to other state for processing.

He said that of the Rs 43 crores needed for setting up 'Dal Cluster', 75 per cent would be released by the Centre under 11 Plan.

He said that the proposal of setting up of Dal Cluster was pending since long time and even five acre land had been earmarked for the purpose.

UNI