Institute identifies 4 clusters in Nashik

MSME (Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprises) Development Institute (Mumbai) of Union Ministry of MSME has identified four clusters in Nashik district, under the `Small Industry Cluster Development Programme'.

The detailed project reports (DPRs), which are being chalked out by the related associations, will be submitted to the ministry shortly.

The programme aims to enhance productivity & competitiveness of small enterprises by providing them good infrastructure and resources.

Under this programme, the ministry provides 80 per cent financial assistance of the total project cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs 10 crore. The rest of the project cost (20 per cent) is contributed by the stake-holders of the related clusters.

Various infrastructure facilities like Common Facility Centre (CFC), mini tool room, testing lab, design centre, common raw material bank among others are set up under the cluster project.

The ministry has appointed G M Ambhore, Director, MSME Development Institute, Mumbai, as the cluster development executive (CDE) for Nashik district.

Speaking to Business Standard, Ambhore said, "We have identified four cluster projects for grape wine, raisin making, Paithani Sarees and Rice & Bhagar. Instructions have been given to related associations to submit the DPRs shortly."

There are 26 wineries in Nashik district, 500 units in raisin making in Pimpalgaon & Niphad, 300 handlooms in Yeola and 50 rice & bhagar units in the district.

So far, the Ministry of MSME has implemented 83 cluster projects across the country, including one in Maharashtra (bulk drugs cluster in Belpuar).

Presently, around 104 cluster proposals in the country are under active consideration of the ministry.

These proposals include auto component cluster at Aurangabad, cosmetics at Thane and readymade garment cluster at Nagpur in Maharashtra.

These proposals will be finalised shortly by the steering committee under the chairmanship of secretary, ministry of MSME.