Aakriti group plans to diversify in renewable energy sector

Madhya Pradesh-based Aakriti Group plans to diversify into renewable energy sector to generate 20 MW power through solar and biomass sources in the state's Narmada belt.
The group presently owns four sugar factories in the Narmada belt at Kareli (near Narsingpur), Shahpura (near Jabalpur), Saikheda (near Gadarwara) and Salichouka (near Narsinghpur) where a lot of sugarcane waste is generated.
"We are planning to generate 20 MW power through renewable energy sources like solar and biomass. The waste in our four sugar factories will be gainfully used for generating clean and green energy," Akriti Group Chairman and Managing Director Hemant Kumar Soni told PTI.

"The waste from these factories can be used to generate green energy and we are also planning to set up a solar power plant in the same region to tap energy," he said.
The sugar production capacity of the group is set to increase to 6,000 TCD per annum.
The group, which came into existence in 1996, also has major interest in infrastructure and housing sector. It has a turnover of Rs 350-400 crore at present and is planning to take it to Rs 3,000 crore by 2020, Soni said.

The company also plans to enter Indore, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Nagpur (Maharashtra) in real-estate sector.

Besides setting up environment-friendly projects in the state capital, the group has also come up with a unique housing project - 'The Nest' - for senior citizens.
Elaborating Soni said, it is designed by the group to provide amenities to senior citizens, especially those whose children are not living with them because of their careers. The furniture in the flats will have round corners as it has been observed that old people often get hurt by the edges. The walls and toilets have additional support systems for the aged people.
"Besides, all residents will be able to take lunch and dinner together in a common hall to ensure bonhomie between them and to keep them away from loneliness, which is a major problem in the old age," Soni said.

The Nest has a tie-up with leading hospitals of the city for providing round-the-clock medical services with a dedicated ambulance and also has a well secured campus with fool-proof security for the senior citizens.
The group has also diversified into health care and education sector by setting up a state-of-the-art nature cure centre and also a school providing value-based education to children.