[Assam] Reliance set to invest in State agri sector

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

Reliance set to invest in State agri sector
 From Surajit Khaund
  HYDERABAD, Nov 5 – Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance is all set to enter the agriculture sector in the State with a big investment plan. The company is preparing a roadmap for the entire country in which Asom has been accorded top priority keeping in view its agriculture resources. “We are preparing the roadmap by our experts and we have given priority to the agriculture and farm sectors in Asom”, Raghu Pillai, president and CE operations and strategy of Reliance Retail Limited told this correspondent here. Citing reasons for the new roadmap, he said that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and, therefore, Reliance is very keen to focus on this sector by way of encouraging the farmers. “In agriculture and horticulture sectors, Asom can play a pivotal role by exploring its vast potential,” he said.

Asked about the nature of investments in the State, Pillai informed that, as it is a mega plan for the country, so definitely there would be substantial investments in the State. “We are also mulling setting up of cold storages and small markets so that farmers can get actual prices,” he said, adding that Reliance would purchase the product from the farmers by its strong retail network.

“We want to strengthen our foothold in the agriculture sector of the State by engaging the farmers with a comprehensive manner. To carry forward our plan, Reliance has a long –term plan,” Pillai said. He, however, refused to divulge more in this regard. Asked whether the company was in favour of contract farming in the State, the president revealed that it would be a ‘win-win situation’ for both the farmers and the State. “ The new formula has been developed to cut down the wastage of agriculture products of the farmers and to boost the productivity,” he added.

Commenting on the crisis-hit tea sector, Sanjeev Asthana, president, chief operating officer (CEO) of Reliance, said that company is considering a proposal to source tea from the State. “Assam tea can be sold in our retail stores. Moreover, we want to encourage ginger and pineapple cultivation in the State,” he added.

Meanwhile, Reliance has decided to enter 784 towns in the country to open new shops in the name of ‘Reliance Fresh’ that will have fruits, vegetables, grocery and dairy products. The company has prepared a budget of Rs 25,000 crore for the new proposal.
 
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