CAMPCO Announces New Vittal Branch to Alleviate Farmer Congestion and Operational Issues
In a significant move to enhance operational efficiency and member convenience, the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) Ltd is set to lay the foundation stone for its new Vittal branch premises. The event will take place near the Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple in Vittal, Bantwal, this Friday, marking a pivotal step in addressing long-standing congestion-related challenges.
Addressing Decades of Operational Hurdles
The existing Vittal branch, which has been serving farmer members for several decades, was constructed in 1986 on a 76-cent plot with a total plinth area of 19,188 square feet. Over the years, the cooperative has faced increasing operational difficulties due to a narrow approach road and severe congestion in the area. These issues have not only hampered daily operations but also caused significant inconvenience for farmers visiting the branch to procure and handle their produce.
The persistent congestion has led to delays and inefficiencies, particularly during peak seasons when farmers transport arecanut, cocoa, pepper, and other agricultural goods. This has underscored the urgent need for a more spacious and accessible facility to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
New Facility to Boost Procurement and Storage
To overcome these challenges, CAMPCO acquired 91 cents of land within Vittal city limits in 2024. The cooperative plans to construct a modern office-cum-godown building with an approximate built-up area of 30,000 square feet. The estimated cost for this project is Rs 12 crore, reflecting a substantial investment in infrastructure development.
The new premises are designed to facilitate smoother procurement and handling of key produce such as arecanut, cocoa, and pepper. Key features of the project include:
- Enhanced storage capacity to accommodate larger volumes of agricultural goods.
- Improved accessibility with better road connectivity to reduce congestion.
- Modern facilities to support efficient operations and member services.
Gaanvi Infra Projects, based in Vittal, has been awarded the civil construction contract. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months from the commencement of work, promising a timely solution to the current operational bottlenecks.
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony Details
The foundation stone will be laid by Dr K Prabhakar Bhat, president of Vivekananda Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Puttur. The ceremony will be graced by distinguished guests, including Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who will attend as chief guests. SR Sathishchandra, president of CAMPCO, will preside over the programme, as confirmed in a recent release.
This initiative highlights CAMPCO's commitment to supporting its farmer members by investing in infrastructure that addresses practical challenges. The new Vittal branch is poised to transform the cooperative's operations, offering a more conducive environment for agricultural trade and strengthening the local economy.
