Avsari Khurd village farmers decide to form SEZ after Chakan airport
Indian Express: It might not be before 2011 that the farmers of Avsari Khurd village, some 40 kms from Pune city, will have their own Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The 1,800 farmers have now decided to form the SEZ after the Chakan airport comes up.
The farmers had announced their initiative two years ago, but there has been no progress so far. The initiative was different as it was coming from farmers who usually in most other parts of the state were opposing the government bid to acquire their land for SEZ.
“The setting up of the airport is a big advantage for us. Once the airport comes up, we will use the facility for export and import,” said Sopan Bhor, a representative of the farmers. “We have received in principle approval for forming the Avsari Khurd Industrial Development Pvt Ltd. But things will pick up speed once the board of directors is appointed and land acquisition agreements are signed with farmers,” said Bhor.
The farmers had earlier put up the proposal but the documents were not as stated by the state industries department. Joint Director of Industries Shekar Naik said though this was a novel initiative, the documents were inadequate. “We had asked them to submit complete documents and the project report as well. The documents will go to the central government,” he said.
The farmers will develop agricultural business on one part of the land while another part will see industrial development, Bhor said while that they have overcome all political hurdles.
The estimated investment is Rs 25,000 crore and sectors like automobile and engineering, electronic, biotechnology and horticulture, warehousing and transport, wholesale and services and infrastructure will be accommodated in the special SEZ.
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