Boosting Rural Economy: Potato Chips Factory to Bring New Opportunities to Nagrota Bagwan
A significant industrial development is underway in the Nagrota Bagwan Assembly segment of Himachal Pradesh, with plans to establish a potato chips factory. This initiative aims to provide substantial relief and new opportunities for local potato farmers and unemployed individuals in the region. The project, which is being set up under the Livelihood scheme, is expected to bring a major boost to the rural economy.
Nagrota Bagwan is renowned for producing good quality potatoes. However, in the past, farmers have struggled to receive a genuine price for their produce due due to the absence of local processing units. The establishment of this factory is specifically designed to overcome this challenge, ensuring that farmers no longer need to transport their potatoes to distant markets, as their crops will be sold locally, closer to home. This local market will help stabilise prices and provide a consistent demand for their agricultural output.
Beyond direct sales for farmers, the factory is poised to create employment opportunities for the unemployed population in Kangra district. A crucial aspect of this project is the provision of training for Mahila Mandals (women’s groups) and self-help groups. The District Rural Development Department (DRDA) Kangra will oversee the project, which includes arrangements for training these groups. This training is intended to equip local community members with the skills necessary to participate in the production process and potentially manage related ventures.
According to recent information, the District Rural Development Department has already secured a ready building for the factory, and the necessary machinery has arrived. The process of fitting these machines is currently underway, with production expected to commence soon. This suggests the project is in an advanced stage of development, moving quickly towards operational readiness. Areas like Nagrota Bagwan, Chamunda, Dad, Malan, and Palampur, which produce tons of potatoes, are expected to benefit significantly from this new facility.
The potato chips factory represents a crucial step towards modernising the agricultural value chain in Nagrota Bagwan, promising to uplift the local farming community and generate new avenues for economic growth and self-reliance.
