Punjab Agri Export Corp submits two projects to DST for funding

The Punjab Agri Export Corporation (Pagrexo) has submitted two projects to the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, for funding.

The projects include import of technology from abroad to manufacture Xylitol, which is used as a sugar replacement, has commercial uses in the healthcare sector and is used to set up a rice straw processing centre. The department has asked for Rs 10 crore as a grant for both the projects.

Speaking to Business Standard, Pagrexo MD Vikas Garg said, “We have submitted two projects to the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology for funding. For the first project, we intend to manufacture Xylitol in India by importing technology from abroad. The other project is to set up a rice straw processing unit in Punjab. The technology for processing rice straw is already with us. We have asked the Department of Science & Technology to grant Rs 5 crore each for the project.”

Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate. It is found in fibrous vegetables and fruit. It also occurs naturally in our bodies — an average size adult manufactures up to 15 grammes of Xylitol daily during normal metabolism.

Pure Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. It is a five-carbon sugar alcohol commercially used in different healthcare sectors, specially as an alternative sweetener for diabetic persons. Also, it has been used as a sweetener in foods since the 1960’s and is widely recognised as a cavity fighter.

Pagrexo is a company jointly owned by Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited and Punjab Mandi Board with equal participation and it is engaged in the development of infrastructure and promotion of distant domestic and export marketing of fresh fruits, vegetables and processed products.

On being asked about other projects, Garg said, “We have entrusted Blue Star for setting up five pack houses across the state for grading, packaging agricultural and horticultural products with a project cost of about Rs 5 crore and it is likely to be completed in 6-8 months.

The state government has got the nod from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority(Apeda) for setting up five pack houses and a grant of Rs 5.35 crore for the project. Each pack house would be spread over 0.5 acre and will have mechanical grading line, pre-cooling chamber, cold storage, a reefer van and a pick up van.