Jharsuguda: The Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) has turned its focus on promoting small and medium scale industries in Jharsuguda district.
During his recent visit to the district, chairman of the WODC, Asit Kumar Tripathy, reviewed progress of various developmental works.
He observed that since the district lacks big industries, there is a lot of scope and prospects for small and medium scale industries related to food processing.
He directed the officials to make provision for a special land bank to promote small and medium scale industries in the district.
It was learnt that the climate of the district is conducive for farming of ginger, chilli, vegetables, oil seeds, fruits, flowers and short-term duration crops.
The officials of the agriculture and horticulture department have been asked to prepare draft proposals for promotion of food processing industries.
The district administration was asked to encourage people and entrepreneurs to set up industrial units for procurement, processing and marketing of farm produce post-harvest time.
The WODC has underscored the need for making educated youths and women employable by imparting them various skill development programmes.
PNN