BRUSHING aside all the speculations that the prestigious project Food Park managed by Maharashtra Agro Industries Development Corporation (MAIDC) in Butibori, “will not be feasible, all the plots in the park have been sold out to genuine entrepreneurs. The park has potential to attract an investment of Rs. 100 crore.

It covers an area of 58.4 acres of land and has been developed by MIDC. In the first phase, 28 plots admeasuring 24.5 acres of land have been developed. Entrepreneurs have pumped Rs. 70 crore in setting up units that include reputed names like Narayana Group of Industries, ITC Limited, Sanghi Food Products, Tulsi Agro Products, etc. All units in the first phase have commenced operations, sources close to the development revealed.

MIDC has started the development of 35 plots in the second phase that covers an area of 26.4 acres of land. The plots will be soon handed over to the owners of respective units for starting their operations. In the second phase, about Rs. 30 crore would be invested, sources added.

The Food Park, when fully operational, will provide employment to 500 people. The park is an unique example where businessmen, chartered accountants and educationists have invested their money.

The Food Park provides facilities like warehousing, cold storage, weigh bridge, quality control laboratory etc. MAIDC has acquired the land from MIDC wayback in 2003 and the infrastructure work was started in 2004. It is the only project of MAIDC and Ministry of Food Processing and Industries
(MFPI).

Sources added that MAIDC daily receives enquiries for plot in Food Park. MAIDC is understood to have written to MIDC demanding an additional 30 acres of land. Experts feel that the construction work of overbridge at the railway crossing on Wardha Road should be completed at faster pace for ensuring unhindered transportation.