CM eyes food processing hub in Bhor, govt to check viability

Pune: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said govt would examine the feasibility of developing Bhor taluka as a food processing special economic zone (SEZ) or an export hub."We will explore the possibility of developing a food processing export hub or SEZ here. Our team will hold discussions with food processing business owners in the region to assess whether SEZ or export-related benefits can be extended to the industry. The aim is to enable products manufactured in this taluka to reach overseas markets," Fadnavis said, while speaking at the inauguration of a manufacturing plant of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale at Ranje village near Khed Shivapur.The proposal was earlier mooted by Indraneel Chitale, partner at Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale, who said such an initiative would boost economic growth in the region. Fadnavis said food could act as a form of soft power for India. "Indian cuisine changes every 10km. If packaged properly and compliant with global sanitation norms, these cuisines can be developed into global brands," the CM said.