Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg visited Deras Seafood Park on Wednesday and discussed issues, solutions and requirements related to seafood processing, value addition, exports and industry development with leading exporters of the state.
The Chief Secretary emphasised on developing the park as a fully functional and export-oriented seafood processing and value addition hub by further strengthening investment, production and exports in the sector.
During the visit, Garg held a meeting with concerned officials at Deras. Water Resources Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma, OPTCL MD Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary Prem Chandra Chaudhury, IDCO MD D Prashanth Kumar Reddy and other stakeholders were present.
The focus was on maximum utilisation of the park’s infrastructure and common facilities, operationalisation of industrial units and resolution of investor concerns. The Chief Secretary reviewed plots and units currently allocated in the park that are operational, under-construction and in planning stages and gave necessary directions.
She stressed early commissioning of industrial establishments, re-operationalisation of idle common facilities and strengthening of basic services for full operationalisation of the park. The Chief Secretary also directed officials to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of the park as part of the Blue Economy initiative in line with Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Later, Garg visited the Centre of Excellence on Horticulture at Deras and inspected its shade net house, nectarine nursery, VNR guava, dragon fruit and red banana cultivation and a 10 metric tonne capacity solar-powered cold storage. She was apprised of steps taken towards promotion of modern, technological and sustainable horticulture and farmer empowerment.
Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav and Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Waman were present.
The Chief Secretary suggested that the centre should not remain limited to demonstration and training but expand its potential and promote agro-tourism through field visits and exposure to modern horticulture methods for students, farmers, entrepreneurs and tourists.
She also visited Deras Eco Park and Jhumuka Irrigation Project site and examined tourism development potential there in presence of Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra and other officials.
