SHGs told to set up scientific fruit-ripening chambers

Khammam: Collector Dr K Ilambarithi said on Friday that Self-Help Groups in towns can supply healthy fruits to customers if they take up ripening of mango, banana and papaya in a scientific manner.

“Ripening of fruits scientifically can generate permanent self-employment for women of Self-Help Groups in towns,” he added. He said that the Centre was providing subsidy in a big way for setting up ripening chambersm, while stressing the need for promoting ripening chambers by creating awareness among Self-Help Groups.Ilambarithi participated in a two-day training programme organised at a private hotel on using ripening chambers in a scientific manner. The National Centre for Cold-Chain Development and Samagra Agri Business Services Private Ltd jointly organised the programme for 40 members of SHGs, hailing from various towns.

The Collector said fruits like mango, banana and papaya ripened artificially by using calcium carbide would harm people’s health. “There is a possibility of people getting cancer if they eat fruits ripened with calcium carbide.” To discourage artificial ripening of fruits, he said the Centre was encouraging ripening chambers.

Ilambarithi said the Centre was providing 35 per cent concession on costs incurred in setting up ripening chambers. “Entrepreneurs would benefit if they come forward to establish ripening chambers.” He stated that officials of the Horticulture Department should improve capacity of ripening chambers for the benefit of society. Assistant Director of Horticulture K Venkateswarlu said fruits could not be ripened completely by using calcium carbide. “Fruits ripened using calcium carbide can cause harm to health. Taste would not be good.” He pointed out artificial ripening of fruits was banned in Tamil Nadu.