A Solar-Powered Flour Mill arranged for Kathirimalai

 A solar-powered flour milling machine is to be set up at Katharimalai at a cost of Rs.2 lakh for the benefit of 75 families, living in the hill in  Andhiyur taluk.  A cheque for a sum of Rs. 1.96 lakh was presented to the collector H Krishnanunni by Canara Bank for setting up the machine. 

The Collector presented it to the Oscar company and said rainfed crops like ragi, kambu and sorghum are grown in the hill. They are staple food of people there.  An average family requires 75 kg of minor millet flour per year. They sell their produce at very low prices and buy groceries including rice.

They walk through 8 kilometers of jungle to sell their goods. If they know how to increase the value of minor millets such as ragi and chamai, their livelihood will also be protected. So, it was decided to design a solar powered flour machine  for them.  For it,  Canara Bank provided fund through its corporate social responsibility initiative. Steps have been taken to provide Medical advice to locals there.

As there was no electricity or road facilities for vehicles there, a road was laid through the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Revitalization Scheme. Also, educational and medical counseling is being provided through the website, the Collector added.