Assembly Speaker vows to transform his constituency into industrial hub

Anakapalli: Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu informed that he is committed to transforming Narsipatnam constituency into an industrial hub, focusing on creating employment opportunities for local communities and promoting tribal products in international markets. Laying the foundation stone for an integrated coffee processing unit at Settipalem village in Anakapalli district, Ayyanna Patrudu expressed confidence that the facility would significantly boost the global popularity of Araku Valley coffee.

Highlighting the untapped potential of Araku coffee, the Speaker observed that products from the region enjoy considerable recognition, including at international destinations such as London Airport. However, he regretted that adequate efforts were not made to fully exploit their commercial potential and expand their presence in global markets.

The integrated coffee processing unit will be established under the aegis of the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) on 11.08 acres at an estimated cost of Rs.16 crore. The facility will incorporate coffee curing, roasting and blending operations, enabling the processing and packaging of tribal farmers’ produce to meet wider market requirements.

The plant is expected to have a coffee-curing capacity of four tonnes per hour and a roasting and blending capacity of 100-kg per hour. The annual production targets include approximately 3,000 metric tonnes of coffee beans and 100 metric tonnes of roasted and blendedcoffee. Construction is targeted for completion within six months, with commercial operations likely to commence by 2027. The project aims to strengthen the market for Araku Valley coffee, provide better opportunities for tribal farmers and improve the prospects of marketing their produce across India and overseas.

Emphasising the project’s social and economic benefits, Ayyanna Patrudu said the factory would create employment opportunities for around 600 women. He assured that people who had sacrificed their lands for the project would be given opportunities to work in the industry.

The Speaker mentioned that efforts are underway to secure 426 acres of land at Rachapalli for another industrial project, indicating plans to accelerate industrial development across the constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, Women and Child and Tribal Welfare Minister G. Sandhya Rani alleged that the previous government filed a number of cases against Ayyanna Patrudu despite his efforts to promote the development of Uttarandhra.

She said road connectivity was improved in tribal areas with the support of Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan highlighted Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s provision of 34 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).

GCC Chairman Kidari Sravan Kumar stated that with a focus on improving transportation and convenience, the processing facility will be established in the area. Rs 10 crore invested for the project.

District collector Vijaya Krishnan directed GCC officials to take necessary steps to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe and ensure that local residents benefit from the employment opportunities generated by it.

Public representatives and officials attended the foundation-stone ceremony, including GCC Managing Director Shobhika, AP State Housing Corporation Chairman Tataiah Babu, AP State Gavara Corporation Chairman Malla Surendra, TDP urban president Chintakayala Rajesh and Jana Sena Party constituency in-charge Suryachandra.

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The Hans India