Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today inaugurated a Food Processing Unit established by Kawna Buzla MPACS at Ahma Trigam, Tehsil Khari under the Food Processing Scheme for Cooperative Societies launched by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also unveiled the brand logo of the products of Kawna Buzla MPACS, namely “Buzla Naturals.” The brand aims to promote locally produced and processed agricultural products from the region under a common identity.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Banihal Mohammad Naseeb Bajraan, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Priyanka Sharma, AD FCS&CA, Tehsildar Khari, BDO Khari, ARCS Block Ramban & Ukhral and other officers were present on the occasion, besides members of the Cooperative Society and local residents.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Cooperative Department and the MPACS in establishing such a unit in the remote area of Khari. He emphasized that food processing initiatives under the cooperative sector will help generate employment opportunities and enhance the income of local farmers through value addition and better marketing of local produce.
The Walnut Processing Unit has been established under the Food Processing Unit Scheme, which provides financial assistance to Cooperative Societies for setting up food processing infrastructure. Under the scheme, cooperatives are eligible for 50% subsidy on loans up to ₹4.50 lakh for establishing food processing units.
Additionally, the government provides 100% interest subvention on loans taken from cooperative banks up to ₹9 lakh or 90% of the project cost (whichever is lower) with a repayment period of four years. Earlier, the Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Ramban welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the role of cooperative societies in strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic development in the district.
During the programme, certificates were also distributed to newly registered cooperative societies. Later, the Deputy Commissioner also visited the Trout Fish Processing Unit established by Banihal Trout Farmer Producer Cooperative Ltd, which was recently inaugurated.
He appreciated the efforts of the Cooperative Department in promoting the region’s unique Rainbow Trout and advised stakeholders to focus on proper branding and packaging to expand the reach of trout products to markets beyond the district.