The Ministry of FPI has taken following new measures to improve food processing industries in the country:-
(i) The Ministry has launched a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely, National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during 12th Plan to be implemented through State/UT Governments. Some of the ongoing schemes of the Ministry have been subsumed in the NMFP in addition to the new components.
The major objective of the scheme is decentralization of implementation of Ministry’s schemes, which will lead to substantial participation of State/UT Governments.
This will not only provide better outreach for the schemes of the Ministry but also allow the Ministry to focus on policy issues relating to food processing sector.
(ii) Investors’ portal has been launched for dissemination of State specific information to the potential investors to attract investment to this sector.”
(iii) A booklet on “Opportunities in Agri Business” - State profile - has been released to provide information, particularly to investors about infrastructure facilities for setting up food processing units, availability of raw materials, marketing infrastructure, sector specific state agencies and fiscal incentives in a user friendly mode.
The Ministry is implementing following schemes for making food processing industry globally competitive:-
1. Scheme of Mega Food Parks aims to provide excellent infrastructure for food processing sector along the value chain, especially for perishable like fruits and vegetables. This is aimed at making food processing economically more viable and generate large employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
2. Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure aims to encourage setting up of cold chain facilities to provide integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure facilities without break from the farm gate to the consumer.
3. Scheme of Setting up/ Modernization of Abattoirs provides for induction of private capital, better technology, backward and forward linkages. The scheme also provides for implementation of projects preferably under PPP mode with the involvement of local bodies and has the flexibility for involvement of private investors/exporters on a BOO/BOT/JV basis.
4. Technology up-gradation/Establishment/Modernization of Food Processing Industries is being implemented for setting up of new units,upgradation and modernization of technology of the existing units in the food processing sector.
5. Scheme for Quality Assurance, Codex, R&D and Other Promotional Activities is being implemented to create infrastructure of food testing laboratories in the country to establish quality monitoring system for food processing, implement HACCP/ISO22000, ISO14000/GHP/GMP and other quality management systems and to promote research and development for innovative products and process etc.
6. Scheme for Human Resource Development is being implemented to augment the supply of trained manpower/personnel at all levels for food processing sector.
This information was given today by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Dr. Charan Das Mahant in a written reply to Rajya Sabhaquestions.
