Patil, who was here in connection with the Agro-Advantage: Maharashtra said that the aim of the state government was to attract investments to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore over the next five years in the agro-sector. Already 60 projects have been kept ready for participation by investors, he said. In addition, investors will be encouraged to have tie ups with agricultural varsities. The state government is also planning to allow investments for contract farming, Patil said.

The forthcoming Agro-Advantage fair will have three main events, the minister said. To be held between November 6 and November 9 at Mumbai the main event will be a Global Investors Convention.In addition an international exposition, Agro-Food Tech 98 will be held at the NSE Exhibition Complex in Goregaon. The state government will also hold a farmers rally at Shivaji Park on November 8 as part of the event, he added.

The investors convention will focus on opportunities in agro-food sector, and present a number of projects with high investment potential. Some of the sectors that have been identified for investments are agro-inputs, post-harvest infrastructure, agro and food processing, bio-technology and floriculture, dairy, poultry, fisheries and meat products. The convention is being organised with support from the CII. ISC Koln Messe from Germany will be the international associates for the expo while the GIC group from US will assist in the convention.

According to the state agriculture secretary RC Sarangi, the monsoon has so far been good in the state. The sowing operations have been completed in many areas and even in Vidarbha there has been good rains, he said. The ensuing sugar seasonis expected to be good with adequate stocks, he said.