ITANAGAR, Jul 11: Commerce and Industries Minister Nyato Dukam on Saturday inaugurated the Administrative Block of the Rongoge Mega Food Park at Dolikoto, Banderdewa, describing the project as a major step towards industrialisation and value-added agro-processing in Arunachal Pradesh.
Following the inauguration, the Minister inspected the park's infrastructure, including the Rongoge Animal Feed Plant and various common processing facilities, and expressed satisfaction over the project's scale and potential to transform the State's food processing sector.
Addressing the gathering, Dukam reiterated the State government's commitment to the success of the Mega Food Park and assured continued support for its smooth functioning and future expansion. He said Chief Minister Pema Khandu was equally committed to developing the project into a model of industrial growth.
Stating that Arunachal Pradesh had embarked on the path of industrial development, the Minister said projects like the Mega Food Park would help the State build a stronger and more self-reliant economy.
"Our vision is to build an economy that is self-sufficient and self-reliant. We cannot depend on financial assistance from the Centre indefinitely. Projects like the Rongoge Mega Food Park will generate employment, promote entrepreneurship, encourage value addition to agricultural produce and strengthen the State's revenue base," he said.
Lead promoter of the project, Likha Maj, said nearly 35 industries, including major companies such as Haldiram and Varun Beverages, are expected to establish units in the park. He described the Mega Food Park as a future industrial hub that would significantly boost employment and economic activity in the State.
Maj, however, stressed the need for uninterrupted power supply and adequate water infrastructure for the park's successful operation. He expressed confidence that once these essential services are ensured, the project would emerge as a game-changing industrial ecosystem benefiting the entire State.
Local MLA Nabam Vivek lauded Maj's vision and perseverance in bringing the project to fruition and assured full support to ensure that the Mega Food Park develops into one of the country's leading food processing hubs. He also urged all line departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination for the project's long-term success.
Developed under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, the Rongoge Mega Food Park has been designed as an integrated food processing ecosystem with facilities such as cold storage, warehousing, quality control laboratories, logistics support, processing lines, industrial plots and common utility services.
The park is expected to accommodate around 35 food processing industries, promote value addition of locally produced agricultural and horticultural products, improve market linkages for farmers and entrepreneurs, attract private investment, and create substantial employment opportunities.