The special economic zone for food processing at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, promoted by Chennai-based Murugappa group’s Parry Infrastructure Company, has commenced operations with Silk Road Sugar (P) Ltd setting up a refinery at a cost of about Rs 325 crore. Silk Road is a joint venture between EID Parry and Cargill.
According to Parry Infrastructure managing director, KE Ranganathan, the company is now scouting for 6-7 food processing units that are willing to set shop in the SEZ.
“As it is strategically located close to Kakinada seaport and many agro-input farms, several processed food exporters have evinced interest in setting up their units in this SEZ. We are confident of allotting the entire space in the SEZ in a span of six months,” Ranganathan told Business Standard.
Spread over 250 acres, the SEZ, notified by the Centre in December 2007, is a first of its kind in the state.