PM Modi promised a major overhaul of Malda’s mango sector, saying a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal would strengthen cold storage infrastructure and expand food processing capacity to curb wastage and boost farmers’ incomes.
Addressing a public gathering in Malda, Modi underscored the district’s reputation as one of India’s leading mango-producing regions, while pointing to the challenges farmers face due to the fruit’s highly seasonal nature. He said inadequate storage and processing facilities often result in post-harvest losses and limit income opportunities for growers.
To address this, the Prime Minister said a BJP-led government would support the development of modern cold chain systems and food processing units in the region. These facilities would enable mangoes to be converted into value-added products such as pulp, jams, pickles and juices, extending market access beyond the short harvesting season.
Modi said the proposed measures would help create local employment, particularly for youth and women entrepreneurs, while ensuring more stable and higher returns for farmers. He added that strengthening agro-processing at the source of production would reduce dependence on distress sales and seasonal price fluctuations.
The Prime Minister linked the proposed initiatives to a broader vision of infrastructure-led development and governance reform in West Bengal, stating that improved logistics, storage and industrial capacity could significantly improve livelihoods in Malda and adjoining districts. He framed the push for food processing and cold storage as part of a wider effort to integrate agricultural value chains and promote manufacturing aligned with the “Make in India” initiative.
Industry experts note that expanding cold storage and food processing infrastructure is key to reducing spoilage in horticulture and improving India’s competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Such initiatives are also in line with existing national schemes that incentivize post-harvest infrastructure, cold chains and value addition to raise farm incomes and strengthen rural economies.
By focusing on Malda’s mango value chain, the BJP is seeking to combine agricultural policy with local economic development, leveraging one of West Bengal’s most recognizable horticultural products to drive investment, jobs and growth in the region.