Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced that the state government will evaluate the feasibility of developing Bhor taluka into a dedicated food processing hub, potentially structured as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or an export-oriented cluster.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new manufacturing facility of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale at Ranje village near Khed Shivapur, Fadnavis said the government is keen to unlock the region’s potential in the food processing sector. He noted that officials will engage with local industry stakeholders to assess whether SEZ status or export-linked incentives can be extended to businesses operating in and around Bhor.
“We will explore the possibility of establishing a food processing export hub or SEZ here. Our team will hold detailed discussions with entrepreneurs and manufacturers in the region to understand their needs and evaluate the feasibility of offering export benefits. The goal is to ensure that products made in this taluka can effectively reach international markets,” Fadnavis said.
The idea of developing Bhor into a specialized food processing zone was initially proposed by Indraneel Chitale, who highlighted the economic advantages such an initiative could bring. According to him, a focused policy framework and infrastructure support would help scale local businesses, attract investments, and create employment opportunities in the region.
Fadnavis also emphasized the broader strategic importance of the food processing sector, describing it as a powerful tool for promoting India’s cultural identity globally. He pointed out that India’s culinary diversity is unmatched, with flavors and food traditions changing every few kilometers.
“Food can act as a form of soft power for India. Our cuisines are incredibly diverse, and if they are properly packaged and meet global quality and sanitation standards, they can be transformed into strong global brands,” he said.
Industry observers note that if implemented, the proposed hub could provide a significant boost to small and medium-sized enterprises in the region by improving access to export markets, modern processing infrastructure, cold chain logistics, and regulatory support. It could also align with the central government’s push to enhance value addition in agriculture and increase India’s share in the global processed food trade.
The state government is expected to conduct detailed feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations in the coming months before taking a final decision on the project.