Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged IFFCO Kisan special economic zone (SEZ) to allot land to investors at a lower rate.
Inaugurating Spanish wind turbine major Gamesa's Rs 500 crore integrated facility in Nellore, Naidu said: "I wanted to bring a fertiliser plant here. The land was given to IFFCO."
The fertiliser cooperative IFFCO did not set up a fertiliser plant but converted its business plan into an agro based SEZ.
The SEZ is being developed on 2,775 acres in Nellore.
In a voice that sounded to be stern, Naidu said IFFCO should reduce its land rates so that investors can come and set up their units.
Naidu said a meeting with the fertiliser cooperative IFFCO will be called to discuss the issue.
He also stressed the need for creating employment opportunities within the country so that Indians need not go abroad.
According to him, Andhra Pradesh is an attractive investment destination as land, labour, power and water are available in plenty.
The state also has several deep draft ports which eases exports.
According to Jose Antonio Cortajarena, Chief Corporate-General Secretary, Gamesa said India accounts for close to 30 per cent of sales for Gamesa global.
"With the inauguration of the Nellore facility, one of the largest for the company in the world, Gamesa India will be integrated even more strongly to cater to the growing energy demands of the country," he added.
According to Ramesh Kymal, Chairman and Managing Director, Gamesa Renewable Private Ltd, the new plant is an integrated plant that will make blades first followed by inverters and generators.
Around Rs 500 crore has gone into the Nellore facility out of the company's over all investment plan of Rs 1,000 crore.
Andhra Pradesh is turning into a renewable energy manufacturing hub with companies like Gamesa, ReGen Powertech, Suzlon, Windar and others setting up their plant in the state.