The location of the mega food park, earlier proposed to be developed at Thotapalli village in Agiripalli mandal of Krishna district, has been shifted to Mallavalli village in Bapulapadu mandal of the district.
As part of its endeavour to develop the new capital by setting up industries, the Government is now focussing on giving the much-needed push to agro-based industries.
An extent of 460 acres was alienated in Thotapalli village in Agiripalli mandal in favour of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for establishment of the Rs. 150-crore food park.
But the choice of the location triggered objections from various quarters, including members of the Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation (ACCIF) who argued that the land was not suitable for the project as it was located on high altitude of above 100 feet and was covered by a hillock with bushes.
Survey by expert team
“Following a survey by an expert team, it was decided to shift the venue to Mallavalli in Bapulapadu mandal, located at 10 km from Hanuman Junction. Unlike other projects being taken up on a PPP mode, the AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation will directly handle the project playing the role of a nodal agency,” said Potluri Bhaskara Rao, chairman of the ACCIF’s sub-committee on food processing.
The Union Food Processing Ministry had given its nod to the AP Government for setting up the project in April last year.
The Centre has already allotted Rs. 50 crore grant-in-aid while the State Government will have to mobilise Rs. 150 crore for the project.
The food park may have a minimum of 20 to 25 units. The APIIC is drawing layouts for the proposed park. The Government hopes that the food park will transform the lives of the local farmers drastically.
“In India, the food sector has emerged as a high-growth and high-profit sector due to its immense potential for value addition, particularly within the food processing industry,” said Mr. Bhaskar Rao.
To explore this high-potential sector, the State Government had approved in principle to develop seven to eight food parks across the 13 districts.
It was originally proposed at Thotapalli, but the idea was dropped following objections from various quarters
