Andhra Pradesh Industries, Commerce, and Food Processing Minister TG Bharat announced that integrated tomato processing units will be operational within six months. He stated that various measures are being taken to expedite the process.
On Friday, Minister TG Bharat, along with Member of Parliament Basti Pathi Nagaraju and Member of Legislative Assembly KE Shyam Babu, conducted a foundation stone-laying ceremony for an integrated tomato processing unit at Kothiralla Panchayat in Doodikonda Revenue Village, Pattikonda Mandal. The unit is being established with an investment of ₹11 crore.
Speaking at the event, TG Bharat said that the establishment of the tomato processing unit was proposed to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy by the Kurnool MP and Pattikonda MLAs. Following their request, the Chief Minister immediately directed officials to initiate the necessary work. He assured that sufficient funds are available for the project. The Pattikonda region in Kurnool district has extensive tomato cultivation, he noted.
The minister emphasized that once the processing unit is operational, the issue of surplus tomatoes being discarded on roads will be eliminated. He also expressed confidence that private investors would step forward to establish similar units. The facility is expected to benefit farmers in Tuggali, Devanakonda, Krishnagiri, Adoni, Gonegandla, Aspari, and Alur regions.
TG Bharat stated that both the central and state governments are offering subsidies for food processing units. He mentioned that during a review meeting led by the Chief Minister, it was decided that ₹30,000 crore in investments should be attracted to the food processing sector over the next five years. Efforts are being made to meet this target, he said. Furthermore, he highlighted that large-scale industries would be established at the Orvakal Industrial Hub, creating significant employment opportunities and curbing migration.
Valmiki Sangham Chairman Bojjamma, Pattikonda Revenue Divisional Officer Bharat, district president Thikkareddy, and Tuggali Nagendra were among the attendees at the event.
