Koraput Mega Food Park Proposal: Sasmit Patra Urges Centre for Tribal Agro‑Processing Hub
Bhubaneswar: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sasmit Patra has urged the Union Government to establish a National Millet, Tribal Agro‑Processing & GI Products Mega Food Park in the undivided Koraput region, covering Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri districts.
Meeting Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan in New Delhi, Dr Patra submitted a detailed proposal highlighting the region’s strengths in millet ecosystems, tribal agriculture, Koraput Coffee, and GI‑tagged Kalajeera Rice.
Despite these resources, the area lacks integrated food‑processing and value‑addition facilities.
The proposed Mega Food Park would include millet processing units, coffee branding and export facilities, rice packaging infrastructure, tribal agro‑processing hubs, food testing and certification labs, and cold‑chain systems.
It also envisions integrating women’s self‑help groups and Farmer-Producer Organisations to ensure inclusive growth.
Dr Patra emphasised that the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s vision of empowering tribal farmers and women producers.
He said the project could generate employment, boost farmer incomes, enhance exports, and drive sustainable rural industrialisation in southern Odisha.
He expressed hope that the Union Ministry will seriously consider the proposal, which could transform the socio‑economic landscape of the Koraput region.
