New Delhi, Oct 5 (KNN) An integrated food processing park would come up on a 27-acre plot on Aranmanaipudur-Veerapandi stretch in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu,  said state's Deputy Chief Minister, O. Panneerselvam .

The district produces different types of vegetables and fruits, including grape and mango, in high volumes, said Panneerselvam after inspecting the site.  

He was accompanied by Collector M. Pallavi Baldev and officials of Revenue and Agriculture Marketing and Agriculture Business departments.

He highlighted that whenever markets were flooded with huge arrivals, the prices crashed, resulting in farmers suffering loss. The farmers could store their produce in the food processing park during such times.

He also mentioned that the farmers could sell their commodities at the right time, explore opportunities for exporting them and expand their businesses through value addition.

Farmers and players in agricultural industries could make use of the integrated park. The government would earmark funds and works would commence soon, said the Collector.

Players in the agricultural industries said the government should train local farmers, especially the youth, in handling machines and other related works.

Further, the district administration should ensure uninterrupted power supply and backup facility, which was essential for cold storage facility.