Stating that Hassan has a greater potential for investment in food processing sector compared to other districts, the former president of the Hassan Zilla Panchayat B.R. Satyanarayayana on Friday called upon the industrialists to exploit it.
He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar to spread awareness about export opportunities.
Hassan was known for production of good quality vegetables.
“There is a huge demand for Hassan vegetables outside the district. If a system can be evolved to export vegetables, our economy will improve. Besides, food processing industries will save farmers from throwing away vegetables on the streets whenever there is a steep fall in their prices. Food processing industries will help farmers keep the products safe till they get the desired price in the market,” he said.
H.J. Hamsaraj, president of the Hassan Small Scale Industries Association, said there was an urgent need to set up an airport in Hassan.
“Our farmers can export the vegetables to Dubai, Singapore and other countries and earn better profits, if an airport is established here. The company which got the contract to build the airport is delaying its execution by citing dearth of land as the reason. They have already got adequate land for the runway and that is what is needed now. However, the contractor wants land for a hotel and a golf court too,” Mr. Hamsaraj said.