“The proposed investment of about Rs 1,800 crore by Pernod Ricard India in Butibori will open up new opportunities for more than 90,000 farmers,” said Prasanna Mohile, National Head - Corporate Affairs & Executive Board Member, Pernod Ricard India. He was addressing the inaugural session of the Global Nagpur Summit 2024 at IIM Nagpur, on Saturday. Mohile was the keynote speaker at the opening session of the two-day summit. The French company has planned the investment to set up a malt distillery and maturation facility in Butibori. “The company will need nearly 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of barley every month. This huge requirement will encourage the farmers in the region to cultivate barley and thus we are expecting a positive change in the agricultural economy of the region,” he added. In a pilot project launched by Pernod Ricard, it was found that the climatic conditions in Vidarbha were conducive for barley cultivation, he said.

 

Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director IIM-Nagpur; Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman of FICCI for Animation; Karuna Gopal, an internationally acclaimed thought leader; Manohar Bhojwani, Founder of Dal Mill Cluster and CEO of Diet Foods International - India; Shashank Rao, International Chair, Nagpur First; Tanveer Mirza, India Chair, Nagpur First and Social Track Chair; Nakul Agarwal, Lead GNA; Jaiprakash Parekh, Treasurer, Nagpur First; Amitabh Khanna, Member Executive Committee; Dr Vivek Nanoti, Environment Track Chair; Dr Rizwan Ahmed, technology Track Chair; and others were present. Ashish Kulkarni said Nagpur has tremendous potential for growth. “The ideally located city is witnessing rapid development. Its vast green cover is an added advantage,” he said. In his welcome address, Dr Metri said, India with its young population will dominate the world in coming days. “Indians are progressing in each and every field.

 

The developed countries are now looking at our young professionals with great expectations. This changed scenario has put Indians in the driver’s seat,” he said. Shashank Rao spoke on objectives of Nagpur First Foundation. “The foundation is working hard to bring investment here in the region so that the Orange City could become a global city,” he said. Karuna Gopal shed light on issues related to the environment. “All of us are aware of the environmental challenges and most of them are willing to contribute to protect it. However, the majority of the people actually do not know what exactly they should do to save it,” she said. Karuna Gopal further said that every individual can contribute to it and bring in positive change. Dr Richa Sugndha conducted the proceedings while Khwaja Sajid proposed a vote of thanks.