Meat stalls in Erode to be modernised

Orientation programme planned for stall owners on December 26; there are about 600 retail stalls in district

HYGIENE FACTOR:Retail outlets of meat with makeshift apparatus like this in Erode district can avail themselves of the scheme of Agriculture Department, for modernisation.

Retail sellers of meat, chicken and fish in the city limits have been invited for an orientation on the Government’s subsidy-linked modernisation scheme at the Corporation on December 26.

The retail sellers would be exposed to the guidelines for implementation of Scheme of Modernisation of Meat Shops during the 12th five-year plan (2013 to 2017), under the National Mission on Food Processing.

The Corporation authorities have evinced interest in the scheme.

Sanitary and Food Inspectors have also been invited for the orientation programme, R.M. Subramanian, Deputy Director of Agriculture (Agri Business) said.

The scheme that opens up scope for scaling up hygiene in the traditional meat shops through improvement of infrastructure and equipment would also enable the applicants to comply with food safety rules and regulations.

Competitions

Alongside addressing public health concerns, the scheme would also foster competitions through development of new retail chains, Mr. Subramanian said.

A tentative estimate indicates presence of over 600 retail meat outlets across the district.

Owners of meat shops in local bodies in rural parts would be covered subsequently for orientation. Meat shop owners in Sathyamangalam and Thalavadi areas have already started making enquiries, he said.

Bbanks have also evinced interest to extend financial assistance under the scheme, he added.

Subsidy would be made available on investments starting from Rs. 2 to 3 lakhs.

For eligibility, applicants would be required to possess the licence of local body for the shop, proof of ownership of shop premises, proof of electric connection and water supply from local body, and list of plant and machinery and civil work proposed for modernisation of meat shop certified by Chartered Engineer.

Contact

For more details, contact Mr. Subramanian over phone: 9842679500.