State to set up 7-storeyed supermarket selling organic vegetables in New Town

Kolkata: The state Agricultural Marketing department has decided to set up a seven-storey super market 'Jaibo Hat' in New Town, a place for farmers to sell their organic vegetables. An advanced laboratory will be also constructed to help them.

On Wednesday, the ceremony of laying the foundation stone took place in Jatragachhi. According to Agricultural Marketing minister Tapan Dasgupta, the state government wants to provide a market for the farmers who use organic fertilisers in farming. This will motivate other farmers to use organic fertilisers instead of the chemical ones, which are bad for our health.

Technical Education, Training and Skill Development minister Purnendu Basu, who was the former Agriculture minister, said Bengal has developed a lot in this regard. Sujit Bose was also present at the event.

The state has been receiving 'Krishi Karman' award from the Centre for five consecutive years.

"What we need is proper training. The idea should be made correct. We are offering the Agricultural Marketing department to provide training to the farmers. If the minister is willing to work jointly, my department will provide all sorts of help," said Basu. Later, Dasgupta accepted the proposal and thanked Basu for his cooperation.

During the programme, Kakali Ghosh Dastidar, MP Barasat, Lok Sabha, said chemical fertilisers lead to health hazards, especially heart problems and cancer. Organic farming is the answer to curb such health hazards.

HIDCO and NKDA Chairman Debasish Sen said NKDA is already doing roof farming in one of the market buildings using organic fertilisers. "The demand of organic vegetables is increasing. We are requesting people to use roofs or gardens for organic farming. But as they are not enough aware of how to do it we are taking steps in that regard. We are listing people who know how to do organic farming with a rate chart. The list will be made available on NKDA's website. People can choose them according to their rates," he said.

According to Agricultural Marketing Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha, HIDCO has provided them with 14.77 cottah land on which a seven-storey building will be constructed. The construction will cost around Rs 11.40 crore. The ground, first and second floors will be used for the market purpose. On the third floor, there will be an organic food court. The fifth floor will house the advanced laboratory and an office. On the sixth floor, a guest house will be set up.

Sources informed that currently there is no such laboratory present in the state that identifies whether a vegetable is organic. In order to confirm such samples, they are sent to other states, which is considered to be a costly affair. After the new laboratory is made, the problem will be solved.