FMCG cluster in Karnataka to create 5 lakh jobs: Minister

Bengaluru, Oct 2 : The proposed fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) cluster at Dharwad will boost socio-economic activity in northern Karnataka with more investments and employment and create 5 lakh direct and indirect jobs, state Industry Minister Jagadish Shettar said on Friday.
“The first FMCG cluster will be set up at Dharwad to create 5 lakh direct and indirect jobs and generate Rs 25,000 crore sales turnover per annum when fully commissioned,” Shettar said in a statement here.
Receiving the state FMCG vision group report on “Transform Hubballi-Dharwad: Vision 2020-2025” document, submitted by its Chairman and Jyothy Labs Ltd Managing Director Ullas Kamath, he said: “We will study the vision document and discuss with stakeholders to set up the cluster soon at Dharwad, which has road, rail and air connectivity in the region.” As Hubblli-Dharwad is strategically located and well connected to consumer markets of Bengaluru, Belagavi, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai, the cluster will have potential to transact business worth Rs 12,000-15,000 crore per annum.
According to the document, the cluster will spur growth in the state’s northern region and provide an ecosystem for the Central government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).
“Hubbali-Dharwad will lead the next industrial revolution in Karnataka and contribute to the country’s ambitious $5 trillion economy by 2025,” asserted Shettar.