Rajasthan invites investments in agri sector

Sharath Chowdary

Explaining the new policies of Rajasthan in agriculture and other allied sectors, the state Minister for Agriculture Prabhu Lal Saini invited industrialists from the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to explore the investment opportunities in agriculture and other related sectors of the state.

The minister was addressing the media during a road show organised in Hyderabad on Monday for the upcoming Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) 2016 to be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan from November 9 to 11, 2016. This global agri-tech business event is being organised in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Highlighting the efforts of Rajasthan Government, Prabhu Lal Saini said, “We are determined to transform the desert region of the state into a green land through modern agriculture methods. We have already started tissue culture farms by growing date palms by importing few varieties from UAE. This is the second year we are producing international standard dates in our state which was a long cherished dream.”

“The state has also begun olive cultivation with assistance from Israel and has planted more than one lakh saplings in different agro-climatic zones. Now many countries are showing interest in investing in our olive oil refineries. We are planning to produce olive tea (green tea) in our state soon. The ongoing research on camel milk too is likely to give good results,” he further said.

Rajasthan has been working towards farm productivity enhancement and shelf-life improvement. The state has two Agriculture Export Zones (AEZs) exporting several agri-related products to many countries of the world. The state has the highest share of over 72% in total Indian exports through AEZs. Besides, it has the maximum share of 31% in actual investments made in AEZs. The state is exporting milk products such as paneer to Dubai and Singapore, he said.

“Our Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has been relentlessly working with a single minded focus to take the state's agriculture sector into top gear. GRAM 2016 will have exhibitions as well as discussions on technology, productivity and innovation in agri-industry. Rajasthan presents several opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in the agriculture sector,” the minister added.

Rajasthan’s Secretary for Women and Child Development Kuldeep Ranka said that land availability is not an issue and there are no restrictions in procuring land. The state has over 39% land under irrigation, so water availability is not a challenge. The state has an online land bank, strong infrastructure and no power cuts since the last decade. Rajasthan ranks third in the country in terms of ease of doing business, he said.

Listing out various potential sectors for investment, he said, “During GRAM 2016, Rajasthan shall showcase investment opportunities in various sectors including solar powered pumps, drip irrigation, milk production, farm power generation, agro-processing, pulp and paper, custom hiring of farm machinery and implements, logistics, cold storage and warehouses.”

GRAM 2016 will also offer a platform for companies and service providers to showcase their latest offerings in farming and allied activities to over 50,000 agriculturists from Rajasthan. Investors from across the world shall tap the potential of doing business with over 50,000 farmers who are expected to attend this three-day event.

Rajasthan Minister for Agriculture Prabhu Lal Saini addressing media during GRAM 2016 road show in Hyderabad on Monday.