The Karnataka government on Friday said it would establish 100 more BPO centres during 2010-11 as part of its initiative to promote information techology units.

Rs.10 crore would be spent on this project and a similar amount on implementing its semi-conductor policy unveiled recently, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said in his budget estimates presented to the state assembly.

The government has decided to earmark Rs ten crore for encouraging new bio-technology units under the Bio-Technology policy, he said.

A new planetarium would be opened at Pilikula near Mangalore and another at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur District at a cost of Rs one crore, Yeddyurappa said.

He also said a corporation for promoting food proessing industries in a planned way would be set up.

The corporation, for which he allocated Rs ten crore, will also promote cold storages, besides providing technology and training food processing and other related activities,he said.

Suitable amendments to Karnataka Land Reforms Act will be effected to facilitate purchase of agriculural land upto five acress for establishing food processing units.

A capital assistance of 25 per cent of investment will also be provided.