THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) of LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.456 FOR ANSWER ON 8th MAY, 2012 REGARDING SURVEY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES.
(a): Ministry of Food Processing Industries has not conducted any specific survey/studies, in the recent past, to assess the potential for development of food processing industries in the country including West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): For the development of the food-processing sector, the Government has taken various steps to provide the required facilities for development of the Food Processing Industries viz. creation of Mega Food Park, Cold Chain and Modern Abattoirs under the Scheme for Infrastructure Development and the activities assisted under the Scheme for Human Resource Development (HRD), Scheme for Setting up/Up-gradation of Food Testing Laboratories and Scheme for Technology Up-gradation/ Establishment/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries. The Working Group constituted on Food Processing Sector for Ministry of Food Processing Industries for 12th Five Year Plan has recommended the launch of a new centrally sponsored scheme – National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) w.e.f 2012-13. The salient features of the NMFP are:
(i) to realize the Ministry’s next leap forward in terms of ensuing requisite growth impetus and value addition to the sector;
(ii) decentralized approach;
(iii) greater role of State/ UTs;
(iv) better outreach and
(v) effective supervision and monitoring. The NMFP would also provide flexibility to States/ UTs in the selection of beneficiaries, location of projects etc. for the development of food processing sector. This initiative of the Ministry would give an impetus to food processing industries in the country. Preparatory activities/advance action to be taken by the States/UTs under proposed NMFP has already been communicated to the states. Govt. of India has also approved placement of Rs. 51.00 crores for utilization by the States/UTs for this purpose.
