Assam Government Initiates Land Banks to Boost Industrial Growth
Strategic Development for Industrial Estates
File image of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)
Nalbari, Sept 10: The Assam administration is actively pursuing the establishment of land banks and the creation of industrial estates in key areas to draw in investments and tackle the issue of inadequate land availability.
During a press conference at the inauguration of PepsiCo India's ₹787-crore food production facility in Banekuchi, Nalbari, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that the scarcity of appropriate land is hindering industrial growth in Assam.
“We require land. Numerous industries are interested in setting up operations in Assam, but the lack of suitable land has been a barrier. Therefore, we are working on establishing land banks. We will direct industries to locations where land is available,” Sarma stated.
He emphasized that the government is focusing on land adjacent to railway stations and highways for the development of industrial estates.
“To establish industrial estates, we need land in proximity to railway stations and highways. We have resolved to construct industrial estates wherever we identify suitable land in these areas,” the Chief Minister added.
Sarma noted that the PepsiCo facility exemplifies the potential for such investments to leverage local resources alongside the necessary infrastructure for large-scale manufacturing.
The Banekuchi facility, with an investment of ₹787 crore, is anticipated to generate over 200 direct jobs and around 500 indirect jobs, with approximately 75% of the workforce expected to be women.
“About 120 women will also receive training in digital literacy,” Sarma mentioned.
Reflecting on the foundation stone laying of the facility with former Industries Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on September 3, 2023, Sarma acknowledged Patowary's role in facilitating the project’s establishment in Assam.
“When you purchase a packet of chips, it typically states it was produced in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, or Maharashtra. From now on, you will see packets produced in Banekuchi, Assam, and these products will be distributed nationwide,” he remarked.
This initiative is also expected to enhance the market for local potato farmers. Sarma indicated that PepsiCo currently requires about 30,000 metric tonnes of potatoes, with expectations to increase this demand to 70,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
He mentioned that the state government, PepsiCo, and the State Bank of India have reached an agreement to assist farmers in acquiring specialized potato seeds through Kisan Credit Cards, benefiting around 5,000 farmers and their families.
A cold storage facility worth ₹35 crore, capable of storing approximately 10,000 tonnes, will also be established to bolster the potato supply chain, he added.
Sarma stressed the importance of expanding industries within Assam to lessen the reliance of the state's workforce on job opportunities outside its borders.
Referring to the government’s Shraddhanjali scheme, he noted that Assam has, at times, repatriated as many as 50 bodies of workers who died while employed in other states, including Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
“To avoid such tragedies, we must develop industries and create job opportunities within Assam so that our residents do not need to leave the state in search of employment,” Sarma concluded.
He revealed that investments totaling around ₹3 lakh crore have been attracted to Assam across various sectors, including hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, energy, mining, and electronics, with the potential to create jobs for approximately one lakh individuals.