Kandhamal, June 10: A jackfruit and mango processing centre operated by KASAM at the Horticulture Training Centre premises in Kalinga, under G. Udayagiri block of Kandhamal district, is facing a severe crisis due to a shortage of cooking gas, disrupting production activities during the peak processing season.
The unit is known for producing a range of value-added products such as jackfruit powder, jackfruit chips, dried mango slices (Ambula), amchur powder, and mango soda. However, production has come to a near standstill this year as the centre struggles to secure adequate gas supplies required for processing.
The facility procures jackfruit and mangoes directly from local farmers and processes them before marketing the products in different regions. The initiative has been providing farmers with a reliable market and additional income opportunities. With production currently suspended, both farmers and the processing unit are bearing the impact of the disruption.
The centre is equipped with modern machinery worth lakhs of rupees, but the equipment now remains idle due to the production halt. Local stakeholders have expressed concern that prolonged inactivity could lead to deterioration and rusting of the machinery.
Workers employed at the centre have also been affected, with many reportedly staying at home due to the lack of work.
Local residents and stakeholders have urged the government to strengthen procurement, processing, and marketing systems by purchasing produce directly from farmers and ensuring uninterrupted support for such processing units. They believe that a robust value-addition and marketing framework would benefit both farmers and the government while boosting the rural economy.
