89 MOUs worth Rs 6,895 cr signed

Bhopal, May 26 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government today signed 89 MoUs with private investors to set up agro-based industries that would bring in an investment of Rs 6,895.52 crore to the state.

The MOUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the second day of agri-business meet in the Vidhan Sabha premises here today.

The MoUs pertain to Ratanjot farming, development of barren land, establishment of sugar factories, setting up of food processing units, agriculture research, organic food processing, seed production, potato cultivation and its processing etc.

Mr Chouhan said it would be ensured that industries were set up in the state as per the terms of the MoUs and hurdles, including red tapism, in the way of growth and development be removed, an official release said here today.

The MoU involving the maximum investment of Rs 1,000 crore was signed between M/s Ruchi Soya Industries limited, Mumbai, and Madhya Pradesh State Agro Industries Corporation.

Under this, the firm proposed to take up Jetropha plantation in an area of three lakh hectare.

Similarly, another agreement worth Rs 500 crore was signed for Jetropha plantation by M/s Mission bio-fuels India private limited, New Delhi.

Agriculture Minister Chowdhary Chandrabhan Singh, Animal Husbandry Minister Ramakant Tiwari and representatives of the business houses were present on the occasion.

Mr Chouhan said full cooperation would be extended to entrepreneurs specially those interested in agro-processing units, Ratanjot cultivation and cold storage.

He called upon investors to explore possibilities for investment in animal husbandry field.

He reiterated the government's commitment to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youths besides ensuring that small traders didn't suffer.

Mr Chouhan added that a forum would be set up to establish regular dialogues between farmers and entrepreneurs to ensure reasonable price for agriculture produces.

CII representative Gokul Patnaik said collective efforts by the government, investors and farmers would accelerate the pace of development in the state.

Continuous efforts would be ensured for raw material and marketing arrangements for the agriculture produces. He also praised the transparent policy of the state government in respect to establishment of the industries.

Principal Secretary (Agriculture and farmers welfare) Praveen Sharma said response from entrepreneurs was overwhelming.

The agri-business meet has been organised first time in the state witnessing participation of representatives of nearly 400 major companies of the country, the release added.

UNI