Yoga guru turns entrepreneur

Yoga teacher Baba Ramdev is now getting ready to display his entrepreneur skills. Focusing on organic farming, the yoga guru has decided to set up a mega food park in Uttarakhand with an initial investment of over Rs 200 crore.

Baba Ramdev’s Haridwar-based cash-rich Patanjali Yogpeeth will be the main agency for funding this project. At least 24 factories, related to organic, herbal and other agriculture products, will be set up in the food park. The foundation stone ceremony of the food park will be held on February 25.

The Patanjali Yogpeeth has already identified 90 acres of land at Padartha area in Haridwar district where the food park will be established.

“Through this endeavour, we will be procuring agricultural produce directly from farmers, giving them all their dues in Uttarakhand and other areas,” said Acharya Balkrishan, managing director, Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, the special purpose vehicle for the food park. A total investment of Rs 500 crore is expected in the food park.

The Centre has proposed to set up 10 mega food parks under the Eleventh Five-year plan. Each food park will have 20 units, which are expected to attract an investment of Rs 250 crore.

Already, several herbal products made at Patanjali Yogpeeth are popular in the market. In the proposed food park at Padartha, Baba Ramdev will also offer various juices from different vegetables and fruit like carrot and papaya. A factory for bio-diesel from jetropha has also been proposed in the food park.