THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 12: In a move aimed at strengthening Jharkhand’s animal husbandry and horticulture sectors, the state government on Thursday signed two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with premier research institutions in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
The agreements focus on the revival of the long-defunct Bacon Factory in Ranchi, the development of the meat processing industry, and technological advancement in the horticulture sector to improve farmers’ income and rural livelihoods.
MoU Signed to Revive Ranchi Bacon Factory
An MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Meat and Poultry Research Institute (ICAR-NMRI), Hyderabad, and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Jharkhand, for consultancy services aimed at reviving the Bacon Factory in Ranchi and strengthening the state’s meat processing ecosystem.
The agreement, signed in the Chief Minister’s chamber at the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, is expected to provide technical expertise, modern processing technology and scientific practices to develop the meat processing sector in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the partnership would support the government’s efforts to strengthen livestock-based livelihoods and promote value addition in the rural economy.
Experts from ICAR-NMRI said the collaboration could help transform Jharkhand’s meat sector by introducing modern processing systems, international quality standards and skill development programmes.
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Key Objectives of the Meat Processing MoU
The agreement outlines several key initiatives, including:
- Modernisation and revival of the Ranchi Bacon Factory
- Development of meat processing infrastructure across Jharkhand
- Implementation of international quality standards in meat processing
- Capacity building and training for entrepreneurs and workers in the meat sector
- Exploring the feasibility of a specialised training centre for meat processing technology
- Promotion of scientific animal husbandry practices in the state
Officials said the revival of the bacon factory is expected to act as a catalyst for the growth of the meat processing industry, benefiting farmers, entrepreneurs and consumers.
MoU to Strengthen Horticulture Research and Technology
In a separate agreement, the Directorate of Horticulture, Jharkhand, signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, to promote research, technology transfer and development in the horticulture sector.
The Chief Minister said the partnership would help expand horticulture activities in the state and improve farmers’ income through modern technology and better crop productivity.
Under the agreement, Jharkhand’s horticulture sector will gain access to advanced research, training programmes and scientific cultivation techniques.
Officials said the collaboration will focus on improving the productivity, quality and value addition of crops such as fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, medicinal crops and mushrooms.
Focus on Rural Economy and Farmers’ Income
The state government said the two agreements reflect its broader strategy to strengthen agriculture-linked sectors, generate rural employment and promote value-added agro industries in Jharkhand.
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Agriculture Secretary Abu Bakr Siddiqui, Director of Animal Husbandry Aditya Kumar Anand, and other senior officials were present at the MoU signing ceremonies.
