Odisha wants fast clearance of Terminal Market Complex

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asked the Centre to clear hurdles before establishment of a Terminal Market Complex to boost vegetable and fruit production in Sambalpur, official sources said.

"I would seek your personal intervention in the matter (terminal market complex) so that the project could be set up early to promote production of more fruits and vegetables in Odisha," Patnaik wrote to Sharad Pawar.

Stating that Sambalpur district was a major vegetable/ fruit producing area in the state, Patnaik said lack of infrastructure for storage, processing and marketing procedure often compelled farmers to resort to distress sale.

Patnaik informed the Union Agriculture Minister that a private entrepreneur has been selected after following the due procedure to set up a terminal market complex at Sambalpur. The state government has already sent a proposal in this regard, he said.

"The proposal needs the approval of the executive committee of National Horticulture Mission before commencement of work at the site," Patnaik said adding that the state government was waiting approval of ministry to start work.

He said establishment of a terminal marketing complex will be of great help to the farmers of Sambalpur and adjoining districts in western Odisha.