The Food Processing Minister, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai and Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations Mr.Jacques Diouf discussed agricultural production in India, Value addition and inadequate post harvest management.
The Secretary, Mr. P.I. Suvrathan and Joint Secretary, Mr. Gautam Sanyal were also present.
During the meeting, the Minister said we want food technology revolution in India. He mentioned that DG, FAO is well aware of the huge potential of horti and agricultural produce in India. But due to low level of processing, value addition and inadequate post harvest management, India is still far behind from other developed countries.
The Minister further said Government of India is committed to the growth and development of Agriculture. He said Food Processing Sector provides long term economic sustainability to the farmers by way of linking them to the industry and the market. In this regard, government has taken strategic initiatives to establish Mega Food Parks, Cold Chain, infrastructure and strategic distribution centers during the 11th Five Year Plan.
Mr. Sahai said that since one of the mandates of FAO is high quality food and healthy lives, Food Processing Ministry needs FAO support in achieving the goal for the betterment of farmers.
The Secretary, Mr. P.I. Suvrathan said in India organic farming is done in Himalayan ranges. This Ministry’s effort to encourage and develop organic farming in a bigger way with the support from FAO. He further said FAO may consider extending assistance for establishing Organic Processing Zones in India.
The Secretary further mentioned about the innovative scheme, the Ministry is going to undertake on upgrading quality of street food/food street in 11th Five Year Plan. He said FAO has been associated with the activities of improvement of hygiene, quality and safety of food products. Ministry needs assistance from FAO for upgrading the quality of food.
Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization , Mr. Jacques Diouf gave assurance that every possible assistance will be provided from FAO for upliftment of farmers. He said FAO is working for achieving food security for all, higher quality of food to lead active, healthy lives.
He further said FAO provides assistance in various ways for higher yield of crops, improving technical skills and legal advice on land ownership matters.
Mr. Diouf discussion with President, Smt. Pratibha Patil , Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh and Agriculture Minister Shri Sharad Pawar was satisfactory. They wanted that in this era of climate change farmers should get more opportunities. Therefore FAO will support agriculture and post harvest management in India.
On this occasion Mr. Danial Grustajson, FAO representative in India and Bhutan and Mr. Roberto Cuevas Garcia were also present.
VL
(Release ID :29766)