The Reliance Industries would explore investment in agro-horticulture produce, Jio networking, sports sector, tourist resorts and setting up of mobile assembly units in Himachal Pradesh.

This was decided in a high-level meeting with the members of Reliance Industries with Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and other senior officers of the state following the meeting of the CM with Chairman Reliance Industries Mukesh Ambani at Mumbai recently.

The CM said that due to its diverse topography and varied climatic conditions the state had a scope of cultivation of various types of fruits, vegetables and cereals. Himachal Pradesh, known as ‘Apple State’ was now poised to become fruit bowl of the country.

He said that there was an immense potential of investment in agro-based industries besides setting up of controlled atmosphere centres (CAC) in the state. This would not only help in value addition of the products but also achieving the endeavours of the government to double the income of the farmers.

Thakur said food and fruit processing was another area which has great scope for investment. He said that apple and mushroom were two major crops of the State which require greater logistic support for their better marketing and value addition.

He also invited Reliance Industries to invest in this sector besides providing support in knowledge dissemination so that the farmers could get the best knowledge about the latest technology and techniques.

The CM said that being a hilly state, the youth of the state are hard working and full of stamina. He requested the Reliance Industries to come forward to invest in the sports sector.

He said that Talent Identification Sports Centres could be established besides exploring the scope of setting up of high altitude training centres at Dharamshala and Shimla. He informed the delegation that the state government has identified about 80 bighas of land at Sarah near Gaggal in Kangra district where a sports centre of excellence could be developed. A similar centre could be set up at Mandi and Shimla.

Thakur said that since about 80 per cent of the population of the state was covered by Jio Network, the company should come forward to install more robust optical fibre network in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the government has also identified a prime piece of land at Baddi in Solan district where Reliance industries could set up its mobile assembly units.

He said that the state government would ensure all possible assistance to Reliance Industries for setting up of this unit.

Thakur said that during his meeting with the Chairman of Reliance Industries, he had expressed keenness in setting up a five-star hotel at Dharamshala. The state government would ensure that land was made available to the Reliance Industries at the earliest so that it could establish this tourist resort.

Head of Reliance Industries team visiting the state Mahinder Nahata said Reliance Industries was keen to invest in agro-processing, sports and wellness sector, setting up of a resort at Dharamshala and mobile assembly unit at Baddi.