About Us
Introduction Pratapgarh Amla Cluster is unique in the sense that it does not limit only to industrial processes but has strong linkage with the horticultural and agricultural pattern of the area. Thus, like any other Fruit Crop, Amla cultivation and processing has strong impact over the socio-economic status, life style and culture of the area. Since Pratpgarh district has been cited as world’s largest producer of Amla fruit, therefore, the Cluster offers both at farm level and non-farm levels of the Cluster Actors, the avenue of interventions which may be used not only to uplift the economy by rural industrialization but for social engineering as well.
Amla cultivation, production, processing and consumption, especially in soils of high pH (alkaline) and low fertility have been emphatically recommended by scholars, nutricians, dieticians, and pomologists. High production of Amla in Pratapgarh district illustrates the success of various developmental agencies, specially the Deptt of Horticulture & Food Processing, State and National Horticulture Missions, since past 10 to 25 years. World famous “Pratapgarh Amla” got production boost in the year 1980 when the area was declared as FRUIT BELT and horticultural interventions were geared up for better quality and quantity of Amla fruit production. Since then the production of fresh Amla fruit have gone up manyfolds. Although about 18 to 20 new processing Units have also come up in private sector in the area, yet they process Amla to be used as Food items like Murabba, Pickle and other traditional eatable preparations only. Establishment of Amla based Drug and cosmetics in the are, in which value addition is as high as food products, still calls for immediate attention. Recently Amla processing activities has been recognized as Cluster Activity and all concerned are now convinced that Amla fruit production in and around district Pratapgarh may prove decisive role player in the rural development. Origin of Cluster:
Objectives
• To provide Technology in Amla food products like Amla- Murabba, Candy (Khati, Mitti & Chatpati), Burfi, Laddo, Juice, Chutney, Pickle, Powder, Squash, Jam, Toffee etc.
• Innovation in Amla energy drink.
• Technology intervention in Amla herbal tea and Amla Gutkha production.
• Innovation on Ayurvedic & Cosmetics products in the Cluster
• Concentrate on Indian Rural Market for Amla products of international quality standards
• Marketing platform for the beneficiaries as middle man is taking most of the profits