To be set up with Iceland’s help, stone of CA store laid in Kinnaur

Kinnaur, August 13

Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi today laid the foundation stone of the world’s first controlled atmosphere (CA) store based on geothermal technology at Tapri in Kinnaur district. The Ambassador of Iceland, Benedikt Hoskuldsson, Commercial Counsellor Rahul Chongtham, Chairman of Geotrappi Tomas Otto Hansen, CEO of Kalera Group Gudmundur Thor Thormodsson and geothermal scientists attended the ceremony.

Negi, while addressing a gathering at the Sholtu forest rest house, said that the CA store, to be constructed using geothermal technology, would provide cost-effective storage facilities to the district’s horticulturists. He added that an MoU was signed between the governments of Iceland and Himachal Pradesh, paving the way for this groundbreaking project — the one-of-a-kind in the world.

He highlighted several key initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu to boost the economy of horticulturists in tribal areas. “Advanced seeds and modern technologies are being provided to farmers to raise their income, particularly small and marginal farmers,” he added.

The minister urged farmers and horticulturists to plant advanced and novel crops for higher returns compared to imported crops in the global competitive market. He announced that under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, land would soon be allocated to landless individuals in tribal areas in their names.

Ambassador of Iceland Benedikt Hoskuldsson said that Icelandic scientists would provide geothermal technology training to horticulture experts of Himachal for the benefit of horticulturists.

The minister expressed gratitude to the Icelandic Ambassador and introduced him to the rich cultural heritage of Kinnaur district through a vibrant cultural performance. He also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the Mahadev Cultural Group of Powari while Ambassador Hoskuldsson gave Rs 15,000.

Earlier, Negi inaugurated a wood depot at the rest house and said that it would resolve the region’s fuel wood problem. — TNS