DR. DHILLON INAUGURATES TURMERIC PROCESSING PLANT

LUDHIANA, JUNE 23:-----



Inaugurating a turmeric processing plant at village Jodhan, near here, today the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice Chancellor, Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon said that turmeric is an important crop which we have been traditionally consuming in various forms since long. Such crops hold potential to shift some area from under rice-wheat rotation, he said adding that processing of turmeric and other such crops is meaningful. He appreciated the progressive NRIs, who have translated their idea of processing into practical shape by setting up and automated processing plant. Dr. Dhillon said that the farming community in the Malwa region will be greatly benefited with the setting up of the plant. He, however, highlighted that any venture is successful if the marketing system is duly considered. The PAU is considering setting up of small niches of new crops at appropriate places in the state and to provide expert guidance to the farmers. The University has provided guidance and advice for setting up of this project that has a capacity of handling 50,000 quintal turmeric in a year.



Sardar Manpreet Singh Ayali, MLA of Dakha constituency and Chairman Zila Parishad, Ludhiana, said that the setting up of the turmeric plant under the aegis of Jodhan Food Products is a revolutionary step that will have a positive impact on the regional economy. With an investment of around rupees 6.5 crore, the processing plant will generate direct/indirect employment to the rural youth. Earlier, the area was famous as a pocket for bhindi cultivation, said he, adding that now the area will also encourage turmeric cultivation.



On this occasion, Mr. Kamaljit Singh Mallah, Mr. Jagdev Singh Grewal, Dr. Jarnail Singh Narangwal, Mr. Avtar Singh Ubhi, Mr. Avtar Singh, Chairman, Mr. Jujhar Singh Vice Chairman, and Mr. Vikramjit Singh honoured Dr. Dhillon and other prominent personalities with the presentation of mementos.



Dr. Ashok Kumar Deogan, Head of the PAU Department of Processing and Food Engineering said that the plant is so far the largest in the region adding that with the advice and guidance of PAU, nearly 150 plants of different sizes have been set-up in the state.



Mr. Jagdev Singh Grewal, the village Sarpanch, responding to the call of the PAU Vice Chancellor, announced a contribution of rupees 21,000/- toward the PAU Endowment Fund.



Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included Mr. Kamaljit Singh Mallah, Dr. Jarnail Singh Narangwal, Dr. H.S.Dhaliwal, Dr. Jagtar Singh Dhiman , scientists of PAU and farmers from the area.



Dr. Narangwal, while presenting vote of thanks said that PAU under the leadership of Dr. Dhillon was serving the cause of welfare of farmers and farming of the state. Earlier, Mr. Mallah said that the setting up of the processing unit in the area will change the agricultural scenario of the region.
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