Rajasthan plans agri-export zones

To boost the farm-based industry, the Rajasthan government plans to set up agri export zones (AEZs). A feasibility study for setting up of AEZ for seed spices and cumin is being conducted by a private agency.

The AEZ scheme is aimed at providing remunerative returns to farmers on a sustained basis by improved access to exports, said an agriculture department official.

The state is the largest producer of guar and some of the spices in the country. "The AEZ is part of the state government's plan to lay stress on agriculture," he said. The state has seen a spurt in the growth of the farm-based and food processing industry in the last couple of years.

According to a rough estimate, there are over 41,000 small-scale units in the sector with an investment of more than Rs 450 crore. There are 77 large and medium scale units in the sector with an investment of more than Rs 630 crore.

In the edible oil sector, there are over 50 solvent extraction plants, around 1,300 oil mills, and over 50 oil refineries and 15 vanaspati ghee plants, in addition to thousands of tiny oil seed crushing units.

Saying that the scope for the development of these sectors was ample, he said there was a need to shift from traditional food units like flour, oil and bakery units to modern industries making fast food items, ready-made snacks and cereals, he said.

There is still a vast untapped key potential project area in the sector like maize processing complex, edible oil complex, higher fructose cum syrup, castor oil processing and derivations complex, medium density fibre board, guar powder (food grade), soya products and tissue culture/oleoresin.

With the setting up of AEZs, these agro processing units would get a major boost in the state, he added.