Maha to set up Agro Economic Zones on lines of SEZs: Minister

Nanded, Feb 11 (PTI) Maharashtra is planning to set upAgro Economic Zones in the state on the lines of SEZs to boostagro processing industry in districts where agriculture andfarming form the backbone of the economy, Agriculture MinisterRadhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said today.

Speaking at "Nanded Ahead", an investors meet organisedby the government, Nanded Chambers of Commerce and Industryhere, the minister said the agro processing policy would beannounced soon.

"The agro economic zones would be set up in districtsdepending on the kind of agriculture produce grown," he said.

Vikhe Patil said the Marketing ministry has already setup Terminal and Electronic markets to boost agro processing.

"The agro processing zones will be on the lines of SEZsand Nanded is a good alternative. Development is notrestricted to any particular region. Local entrepreneurs playa every important role in growth of the region and the needof the hour is to expand the MIDCs to accommodate more andmore local industries," he added.

Vikhe Patil called for the need to remove the mentalblock of being backward.

"What is important is that we need to look forwardtowards the road ahead," Vikhe-Patil, a close aide of formerChief Minister Ashok Chavan said.

Chavan is the chief patron of the two day ''Nanded Ahead''convention.

Vikhe-Patil attributed the development of Nanded toChavan and described him as a visionary leader.

The meeting assumes significance as it is being held inthe backdrop of the CBI naming Chavan as one of the accused inthe Adarsh housing scam and the former Chief Ministerattending a meeting of legislators, supporting him in anapparent show of strength. .