The Hindu Business Line : Assocham plans agri training centres

In the focus paper `Winds of investments are towards Andhra', Assocham has asked the Andhra Pradesh Government to establish 200 agriculture training institutes in the State.

Hyderabad March 11 The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has proposed to start agricultural training institutes (ATIs) across the country under public-private partnership model.

The ATIs are aimed at training farmers in advanced agricultural process that could give them better yields and returns. On its part, Assocham will involve private companies interested in agriculture and allied activities.

PANEL SET UP

Assocham had set up a committee, headed by Mr K.L. Chugh, Chairman Emeritus of ITC Ltd, to prepare a blueprint for setting up the institutes.

It proposes to set up such institutes in Andhra Pradesh. "We will replicate the model in other parts of the country," Mr Venugopal N. Dhoot, President of Assocham, said, at a press conference here on Sunday.

In the focus paper `Winds of investments are towards Andhra', Assocham has asked the Andhra Pradesh Government to establish 200 ATIs in the State.

Blueprint for AP

Meanwhile, the Assocham President met the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and discussed the proposals made in the focus paper.

Mr Dhoot said the State has the potential of attracting Rs 1,50,000 crore of investments in the next seven years and generating five lakh skilled and unskilled jobs.

He asked the State to set up at least 10 knowledge SEZs (special economic zones). There was also good scope for establishing SEZs in technology and food parks. With regard to the pending approval for 16 SEZs, he urged the Chief Minister to write to the Prime Minister to clear these zones that are expected to attract investments to the tune of Rs 800 crore.

Besides, it should set up education centres of IIM standards in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, robotics and automation.

Meet on SEZs

Mr Dhoot said Assocham would organise a national conference on `SEZs - land acquisition and rehabilitation policy' on March 21 in New Delhi.

The conference will discuss the draft policy prepared by the Union Ministry of Rural Development on acquisition and rehabilitation and other issues related to SEZs.

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