Pune, 17 April 2026: The Maharashtra government will extend support to export-oriented food industries and explore the possibility of developing Bhor taluka as a food processing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or export hub, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday.
He was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Ranje Vision Park,’ a new facility set up by Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale in Bhor.
Fadnavis said the government will hold discussions with local food processing industries to assess the feasibility of establishing an export-focused ecosystem in the region.
He emphasized that Maharashtra’s diverse food culture has strong global potential and needs to be positioned as a competitive international brand.
“Food culture changes every few kilometers in our state, and this diversity is our strength. Chitale Bandhu has successfully taken traditional Marathi food to global standards. Over four generations, they have not only sustained but expanded the business, adapting to changing times and building a strong global brand,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Indraneel Chitale highlighted the company’s focus on innovation in snackable products to promote traditional Indian foods in global markets. He said that if a food and supply chain SEZ is developed across regions like Shivganga valley, Purandar, and Dighi, it would help many food processing units gain easier access to international markets.
He also raised concerns about water availability in the region and suggested that bringing canal water from Bhatghar could significantly improve infrastructure for industries. He urged the government to address this issue to support future industrial growth.
Recalling a personal memory, Fadnavis shared his long-standing fondness for Chitale’s products. “As a child, I would visit Pune during vacations, and my aunt would give us a packet of bakarwadi for the return journey. We would finish it on the way, so she started giving us two packets. I have been a fan of bakarwadi since childhood,” he said.
