Even as a formal announcement on the location of new capital of Andhra Pradesh hangs in the balance, experts are pitching strongly for the development of agri and food processing zones in Krishna and Guntur districts.
The districts, considered as an integral part of the food granary of the State, have the necessary wherewithal required for promoting agriculture and food processing zones. The demand assumes significance in the light of the Government’s announcement on initiating slew of measures for the all round development of the State.
Food processing sector has been identified as one of the key growth engines by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and it had been prioritised in the white papers released recently. Mr. Naidu has also asked experts in the field to draw up comprehensive plans to develop food processing industries that could cater to domestic demand and earn handsome revenue through exports as well.
Industrialists say the region has more scope to develop a cluster of agri-based and food processing units as turmeric, chilly and others spices are produced in the two districts. “Food processing units are already established in Nuzvid, Vijayawada and Guntur districts and the Chief Minister’s announcement will enable entrepreneurs to set up more units here,” says M. Lakshmi Prasad, principal scientist and MD of Sujay Bio-Tech Private Limited.
Initiative by the Government coupled with the thrust given by the Centre for agri-industry and warehouses by allocating substantial amounts in the Union budget would facilitate growth of the industry. Bioworld Research Technology Scientist A. Rajyalakshmi said proposals to set-up a medical institute akin to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Guntur is another added advantage as allied industries can prepare dietary products . IT veteran J.A. Chowdary said: “Krishna-Guntur region is more suited for agri and food processing clusters as there is availability of raw material and close proximity to ports,” he said.
