Chhattisgarh attracts investment in Food Processing sector

Ruling out threat perception from Maoists in Chhatisgarh, State minister Amar Agarwal today said the problem was confined in some pockets in the outer districts and industries are not affected by it.
"Adequate steps (against Maoists) had been taken both by the state government and the Centre. Industries are in no way disturbed," Agarwal, Chhatisgarh Commerce and Industries minister, said answering a question if naxalite movement posed a threat to the development process in the tribal state.
"The state, which has already been described of having an excellent financial management system by Reserve Bank of India and other financial institutions, is ready to offer the best possible incentive packages in the country to the investors for setting up units in food processing or in agri-based industries," he told a roadshow to promote food processing industries in Chhattisgarh.

"Please come to Chhattisgarh and see what we can offer for your investment. We have a record agriculture production, land and ready market, besides prospect of exporting the produce. Just exploit the opportunity," Agarwal told the roadshow organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Stating that three mega food parks were coming up in Chhatisgarh, he said land was not a problem in the state as the government had already set up a land bank by acquiring land, which could be offered to investors on lease-hold basis.
"If the new land bill is passed in the Parliament, the situation might appear different with barriers in acquiring land," the minister observed.

He said the mineral-rich state was progressing fast in agriculture and food processing sectors and attracting investors from across the country and abroad.
Chhattisgarh, he said, is a power-surplus state and its government is eyeing long-term plan to generate one lakh MW. A total 25,000 MW would be added in next few years.
The state is known for its domination in coal, steel and aluminium sector, apart from cement and several other areas, he added.