Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today laid the foundation stone for two units of ITC involving an investment of Rs1500 crore in the industrial area of Badiakhedi, Sehore – Integrated Food Manufacturing and Logistics Facility and Sustainable Packaging Products Manufacturing Facility.
Both units will cover 57 acres, ensuring employment to 5000 people. The ITC will produce world-class Indian brands like Ashirwad floor, Sunfeast biscuits, and Yippee noodles, while the molded fiber products plant will set new standards in sustainable packaging. This will provide an alternative to plastic packaging in the electronic goods, FMCG, and food and beverage sectors.
The ITC investment in the food processing sector in Sehore will add value to the state’s manufacturing sector and immensely support the agri-value chain.
Addressing the foundation laying ceremony, Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh has gone far ahead of other states in respect of farm growth rate, which is 18 percent for one and a half decades.
He further emphasized the need to change the pattern of crop production to save farmers from crop losses and make agriculture profitable venture. In addition to conventional crops, the production of commercial crops like medicinal plants is the most preferable. Efforts are being made to invest in agriculture-based industries to ensure good prices for farmers and provide employment to local residents.
Investment Proposal of Rs.15 lakh 42,750 crore
The Chief Minister said that proposals for investments totaling Rs. 15 lakh 42 thousand 750 crore have been received at the Global Investors Summit including those of ITC involving Rs. 1500 crore in Badiakhedi.
He said that ITC is working for the development of agriculture in collaboration with farmers. This initiative will provide employment to 5000 people in and around Sehore. Continuous efforts are being made to facilitate more industries and create employment opportunities for local youth.
Chouhan assured that the farmers need not worry about the situation caused by scanty rainfall. He said that the demand for electricity has increased due to low rainfall. Earlier, this happened to be around 7,000 megawatts. Today it is 15,000 megawatts.
Chairman of IT Limited, Sanjeev Puri, gave details about ITC’s new investment ventures. MLA Karan Singh Verma, MLA Sudesh Rai, MLA Raghunath Malviya, District Panchayat President Gopal Singh Engineer, Sehore Janpad President Nawadi Bai Barela, and Municipal Council President Prince Rathore were present.
