Question : Expansion of FPI

(a) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government for setting-up/ expansion offish food processing industries in the country with export quality, State/ UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study regarding setting-up and expansion of such industries across the country, particularly in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the other measures taken/being taken by the Government for expansion of fish food processing industries in the country; and

(d) whether the Government is proposing to start any policy/programme for the financial assistance for promotion of fish food industries, if so, the details thereof and the time by which this policy/ programme is going to be implemented, if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing the Central Sector Umbrella Scheme- PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA (PMKSY) for promotion and development of food processing industries including fish processing industries in the country. Under the scheme components of PMKSY viz:(i) Mega Food Parks, (ii) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, (iii) Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, (iv) Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages (v) Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities, the Ministry provides grant assistance, inter alia, for creation of modern infrastructure and efficient supply chain for facilitating preservation and processing of both Agro and Marine produce.

These schemes are demand driven. Financial assistance to the eligible applicant is provided as per the scheme guidelines against the Expression of Interest issued by the Ministry from time to time. Under these schemes, capital subsidy in the form of grants-in-aid is provided to the individuals, farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Entrepreneurs, Cooperatives, Societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Private Companies and Central/ State PSUs etc. for setting up of food processing industries/ units/ projects.

Further, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, under their Centrally
Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on the Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries, provides financial assistance to the Coastal State Governments/ Union Territories for Integrated Cold Chain development covering the activities from fry to frying pan such as pre-processing, and processing of fish, fish transportation (insulated and refrigerated vehicles), retail outlets, moveable fish markets, kiosks etc.

However, no study has been conducted by the MoFPI for setting up and expansion of Fish Food Processing Industries in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.

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