Kolkata, Mar 07 (UNI) West Bengal government is planning to set up two floriculture parks in the state to boost production and flower exports.

State Food Processing and Horticulture Principal secretary M.L.

Meena said the twin parks would be set up through public-private partnership (PPP) route. A portion of the funds may be obtained from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) under the NABARD.

Areas identified for the twin projects are in the Darjeeling -Siliguri and Howrah-Midnapore belts.

Flower cultivation is concentrated in these areas since the climate and soil are conducive for floriculture in these areas.

He said the Bengal government would not acquire land. However, the government would arrange for training for the willing farmers, whose land fall in the park area, to equip them in modern scientific agricultural techniques.

The park would be equipped with modern facilities for floriculture and flower marketing, tissue culture labs, seed farms, green houses, refrigated warehouses and pack houses.

The state would invest Rs one crore for the infrastructure of the Common facility.

A consultant has been hired for this purpose and would prepare a detailed project report soon.

UNI