IFFCO set to revive its Kisan SEZ in AP

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) a globally acclaimed cooperative institution which is a leading producer and distributor of fertilizers in the country has renewed its interest in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is now moving ahead to invest a significant amount in the state.

IFFCO Kisan SEZ Limited (IKSEZ) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IFFCO and a unique initiative to promote industries with emphasis on agriculture and other industrial units was recently accorded approval by the state government for the development of a private large industrial park across 2776 acres.

The land was originally acquired by IFFCO for setting up a fertiliser unit in 1997. Since final approvals from GOI could not be obtained, the SEZ was setup to promote industries as a multi-product SEZ.

Despite it being marred in legal troubles IKSEZ had invested Rs 300 crores strengthening the basic infrastructure in the area i.e. establishing power connections, laying roads, drainage system, water etc.

However now in a new & rejuvenated avatar and taking benefit under the new ‘Andhra Pradesh Policy for Establishment of Private Industrial Parks with ‘Plug and Play’ Infrastructure (4.0) 2024-29’ IKSE is looking to invest an additional Rs 870 crores for which it has already submitted a DPR to the department of Industries.

Under its renewed role IKSEZ’s focus Areas for Industrial Promotion will include sectors such as Food & Agri processing, Aqua processing, Renewable energy products (wind mill blades, solar etc), Light and Heavy Engineering manufacturing products and Agricultural tools & equipment, Nano technology based products, Nano fertilizers, Electric Mobility and associated products and components, Electrical and Electronics including Li-ion and solid-state batteries, Non-alcoholic and fruit based beverages & other health and energy drinks, Processing of shrimp/fish & shell waste and other circular economy and Renewable Energy sectors, Light & Heavy Engineering, MSME Segment, Warehousing, Cold storages and Logistics.

The projected employment potential for this SEZ is said to be about 70,000 people. In fact, IKSEZ has already inked MoUs with two investors while another 2 are in the pipeline. These new units required about 100 acres with an investment of Rs 1200 Crore.

IKSEZ is also in active dialogue with twenty other  prospective investors for setting up their manufacturing units requiring about 1700 Acres of land.