Some of the country representatives and companies have already held talks with the state agriculture department for technical collaboration and financial investment in an array of agriculture sectors
In the run up to the 'Magnetic Maharashtra' summit, countries like the US, Japan, Spain, Argentina, UAE, Netherlands have so far indicated keen interest to invest in Maharashtra's agriculture sector. Some of the country representatives and companies have already held talks with the state agriculture department for technical collaboration and financial investment in an array of agriculture sectors. These include warehousing, cold chain, poly houses, fisheries, logistics and export oriented terminal infrastructure. Some MoUs are expected as early as the Magnetic Maharashtra summit slated to begin from February 18.
An officer from the state agriculture department told DNA, "US companies desire to join hands with the pulse producers from Vidarbha so that it can be processed to meet the Indian demand. Similarly, Argentina has shown interest to tie up with farmers' federation from Vidarbha to market variety of pulses grown here. Companies from Spain have identified land in Chakan, Pune district to grow fruits and vegetables. Besides, UAE companies want to produce and export fruits and vegetables in their own country. ''
He informed that government offers both fiscal and physical incentives through proper policy framework to attract investments in the agriculture and allied activities which has average share of 11.8 per cent in the total gross state value added and it is growing at an average annual rate of 1.7 per cent.
The officer said investors are keen to invest in warehouses, cold chains and post harvest plants and logistics parks in many state locations especially those connected to ports and airport in particular.
"About 70 to 100 acre of land is available near Bhiwandi which offers suitable site for such ventures. Besides, investors can invest in food processing parks as long as it is binding for overseas and domestic investors willing to set up units in Maharashtra to procure farm produce directly from the farmers and not traders,'' he said.
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