We have taken one small unit at Burdwan which was closed, sick and in custody of a bank: AWL spokesperson

It is said that India’s largest FMCG company, Adani Wilmar Ltd (AWL) has confirmed that the company has “taken” a rice-processing unit in Burdwan but said that they don’t have any plans to purchase rice in Bengal and that it intends to work closely with farmers in the state to promote locally grown rice varieties.

According to the media report, AWL had collected information about 20 other non-performing and closed rice-processing units in the district and the company planned to acquire more such units.

On this an AWL spokesperson said that, “We would like to bring to your notice that this statement is completely false and baseless, and the company doesn’t have any plan to purchase any further units in the state and neither they have scouted for any plants as mentioned in the article.

Adani Wilmar

We have taken one small unit at Burdwan which was closed, sick and in custody of a bank: AWL spokesperson

We have taken one small rice-processing unit at Burdwan which was closed, sick and in custody of a bank. This step is an attempt to stand committed to the agriculture sector in West Bengal and to work towards the improvement of agri value chain. At Adani Wilmar, we intend to work closely with the local farmers and promote locally grown rice varieties. We also wish to encourage sound practices, reduced wastage at storage and supply chain, ensuring fair prices.”

Meanwhile, several owners of rice mill had expressed apprehensions that the big corporate house has participated into the sector. But a on the other side CPM-affiliated peasants’ body had begun protests, claiming a threat to farmers.