Assistance will be given for the setting up of environment-friendly industries in Kodagu district, said Satish Jarkiholi, Minister for Small Scale Industries.

Speaking at a review meeting here on Tuesday, the minister assured that financial assistance will be given for the setting up of small scale industries.

“There is an ample of opportunities for the setting up of food cluster, apiculture, fruit processing and juice units in the district. Land can be purchased at the market rate for the government projects,” he added.

The minister said that special emphasis will be given for the change in khata at industrial area in Kushalnagar. The MoU signed during the investors’ meet in the district will be implemented, he added.

“Black pepper is cultivated on a large scale in the district. The district should have had a Spices Board. Why has it not been set up so far?” he asked.

Deputy Commissioner Meer AneesAhmmed said that 50-acre land has been identified in the district and all efforts are being made to set up a unit of the Spices Board.

Ketolira Fancy Ganapathy appealed to the minister to provide financial assistance for the setting up of food cluster, apiculture, piggery and fruit processing units in the district.

Textile park

B N Prakash, District Commerce and Industries Association president, said that there is a need to set up an environment-friendly textile park in the district. A tiles factory at Madikebeedu has been closed down. There is a need to revive the tiles industry and promote pottery in the district.

The minister, who spoke to mediapersons later, said that government facilities have failed to reach all sections of the society. “Hence, there is a need to publish the report of the socio-economic survey conducted by the government last year,” he insisted.