Bhubaneswar: Odisha is stepping up efforts to turn Deras into a major centre for seafood processing, value addition and exports, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg calling for faster industrialisation and optimum use of infrastructure during her visit to the area on Wednesday.
At the Deras Seafood Park, Garg held discussions with leading seafood exporters and senior officials on issues affecting processing, value addition, exports and investment. She sought practical solutions to industry concerns and stressed the need to create a stronger ecosystem for seafood businesses.
Reviewing the status of industrial plots and units, the Chief Secretary took stock of facilities that are operational, under construction and at various planning stages. She directed officials to facilitate the early commissioning of pending industrial establishments and address bottlenecks affecting investors.
Garg also called for the revival of idle common facilities and improvement of essential services at the park. She emphasised that the available infrastructure should be utilised to its full capacity to strengthen Odisha’s seafood industry and generate greater economic opportunities.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to work towards 100 per cent utilisation of the park as part of the State’s Blue Economy strategy and its broader development vision under Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
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 participated in the review.
Garg later inspected the Centre of Excellence on Horticulture at Deras, reviewing its work on modern and technology-based farming.
She visited the shade-net house and nectarine nursery and saw cultivation of VNR guava, dragon fruit and red banana. She also inspected a 10-metric-tonne solar-powered cold storage facility and was briefed on initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable horticulture and improving farmers’ access to modern technologies.
Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav and Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Waman were present.
Suggesting a wider role for the centre, Garg said it should evolve beyond training and demonstration activities and explore opportunities in agro-tourism. She encouraged the development of field-based learning and exposure programmes for students, farmers, entrepreneurs and tourists.
The Chief Secretary also visited Deras Eco Park and the Jhumuka Irrigation Project to assess the scope for tourism development in the area.
Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra and other officials accompanied her during the visit. The discussions focused on leveraging the area’s natural, irrigation and horticultural assets to create additional tourism opportunities.
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