‘Food processing units can curb suicide among farmers’

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 7

Food processing units are the only way to fight against the farmers suicide in Punjab, suggested president of PHD chamber of commerce and industry, Anil Khaitan, on the inaugural day of the five day Punjab International Trade Expo.

During the media interaction he raised the issue of having a food processing units or agro-based industry here to help the state fight such agriculture crisis, particular farmers’ suicides.

Explaining it more, Khaitan said, “Industries are needed, in the case of Punjab, there is a need of food processing industries. The focus should be on the vegetables, fruits, dairy and other such items. If such industries are established, it shall increase the employment and decrease mental pressure from farmers . Establishment of Food Park is a stepping stone in this direction.”

Talking about the development of small scale industries, the PHD chamber president stressed that there is a need to skill development and educational institutes for people associated with such small and medium scale industries. He said, “It is necessary that people associated with small scale industries should be trained as well as educated.