Maharashtra is planning to set up Agro Economic Zones in the state on the lines of SEZs to boost agro processing industry in districts where agriculture and farming form the backbone of the economy, Agriculture Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said today.
Speaking at "Nanded Ahead", an investors meet organised by the government, Nanded Chambers of Commerce and Industry here, the minister said the agro processing policy would be announced soon.
"The agro economic zones would be set up in districts depending on the kind of agriculture produce grown," he said. Vikhe Patil said the Marketing ministry has already set up Terminal and Electronic markets to boost agro processing. "The zones will be on the lines of SEZs and Nanded is a good alternative. Local entrepreneurs play a every important role in growth of the region and the need of the hour is to expand the MIDCs to accommodate more and more local industries," he added.
"What is important is that we need to look forward towards the road ahead," Vikhe-Patil, a close aide of former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said.Chavan is the chief patron of the two day 'Nanded Ahead' convention. Vikhe-Patil attributed the development of Nanded to Chavan and described him as a visionary leader.
The meeting assumes significance as it is being held in the backdrop of the CBI naming Chavan as one of the accused in the Adarsh housing scam and the former Chief Minister attending a meeting of legislators, supporting him in an apparent show of strength.