Bangladesh’s loss is Ballari’s gain: 154 acres acquired for Jeans Park, says MB Patil

Karnataka’s Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil said political uncertainty in Bangladesh has created an opportunity to bolster the jeans industry in Ballari.

Karnataka’s Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil announced on January 9 that a Jeans Park will be established by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) at Sajanjeerayanakote, near Ballari.

“A total of 154 acres of land has already been acquired for the project, fulfilling the assurance made by AICC leader Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra,” said Patil.

Highlighting the project’s potential, Patil stated that globally renowned companies are expected to establish their presence in the proposed park.

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He pointed out that political uncertainty in Bangladesh has created an opportunity to bolster the jeans industry in Ballari. “The unstable situation in Bangladesh has prompted investors and exporters to explore alternatives, and Ballari has emerged as a favourable destination. We aim to capitalise on this by attracting significant investments in the jeans sector,” he said.

Ballari is home to over 500 jeans manufacturing units, which generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The Industries Department plans to develop the area into an organised export hub with assistance from the Textile Department. Patil added that a meeting will soon be held with the Textile Minister to discuss potential incentives for jeans manufacturing units.

“During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi interacted with workers and employers in Ballari’s jeans industry. He assured them of setting up a Jeans Park and subsequently wrote to the Industries Department on August 1, 2023, regarding the implementation of the project,” Patil said. He added that the current geopolitical situation is conducive to realising this vision.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced the initiative in the state budget presented in February 2024. The project aims to elevate Ballari’s jeans industry to global standards by organising it under a structured framework, Patil noted.

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