Making MP the hotbed of horticulture, food industry

Indore: Mango drink of American multinational beverage makers Coca-Cola will soon be made using Totapuri mangoes from the land of Madhya Pradesh.

State has tied up with the company to source mangoes produced with ultra-high density plantation technology. Totapuri mangoes would be grown on 1,000 acre in three districts — Harda, Hosangabad, Betul — and the produce will be sourced to the company.

The state targets to produce mangoes on 4,000 acre from next year. Horticulture commissioner Dr M Kali Durai said, “We are opting for ultra-high density plantation technology to enhance production of Totapuri mangoes and Coca-Cola has assured us of buying the entire produce as they need mangoes and pulp for their drinks.”

Giving an impetus to food processing sector, state has rolled out many initiatives that will be announced Friday. The focus is linking industries and farmers to grow products required by industry while international collaborations are also being done for technical expertise.

The state has collaborated with Israel to develop two Center of Excellence for citrus fruits at Chhindwara and Center of Excellence in floriculture at Bhopal.

The state is coming with first horticulture and floriculture hub at Hoshangabad and Chhindwara respectively for protected production of horticulture products and developing link to market products.

State government has marked 120 acre at Babai industrial at Hoshangabad and 100 acres at Chhindwara industrial area. Durai said, “We are aiming protected cultivation for flowers such as orchid, gerbera and others at floriculture hub while different types of vegetables will be grown at the vegetable hub. Once these come in, we will look at other places to develop hubs in state.” The state government is also coming up with a hi-tech horticulture training centre at Chindwara to train farmers and officers.

An official source said, “We are in touch with 40 people for setting up food processing facilities in state. Around 400 people had registered with us of which we picked up 40 potential investors.”