Outsourcing is indeed embracing various sectors. Now Italy, the land of pasta, would prefer to set up manufacturing units for their famed food product in Punjab in northern India.
Keen to set up state-of-the-art pasta-making units in the state, Italians are already in talks with government authorities, corporate honchos and farmer leaders.
In an interview to The Times of India, Italian ambassador Antonio Armellini, says, 'Punjab is rich in Durum wheat, the main ingredient used in pasta. This makes the state a natural choice for setting up pasta units here. It will mean huge cost savings for us and farmers here can gain global leverage. '
Durum is a wheat variety rich in proteins, its yellow pigment and enzyme content make it an ideal component for a variety of food products, including pasta.
Typing up with agro-universities is one of the ideas under the consideration of Italians. Whatever the mechanism, there is all round enthusiasm for the prospect, it is felt.
When India had already emerged as an outsourcing destination for IT industry, why not an encore with the food industry?
In any case it may be noted here that a huge portion of the state’s produce is destroyed due to poor storage facilities. The Italian endeavour can change the fortunes of debt-ridden farmers here, it is hoped.
Incidentally, the production of pasta in the country is largely confined to the unorganised sector and very few organised players are there in the pasta market.
The entire output of the organised sector is estimated to be between 35,000-70,000 tonnes only. Italian investment could see production up several fold. If all goes well, the land of Bhangra could well turn into a global hub for pasta industry, it is hoped.
Source-Medindia
GPL/P
