(a) whether the Government has implemented any action plan to provide
assistance to small and medium farmers for processing their produce;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of beneficiaries
therein State-wise; and
(c) if not, whether the Government proposes to formulate any such
scheme in the near future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) to (c): The Ministry under its Plan Scheme for Technology
Upgradation/Establishment/Modernization of Food Processing Industries (FPIs) extends
the financial assistance for setting up of new food processing units as well as
technological upgradation and expansion of existing units in the country. Ministry extends
financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs @ 25% of the cost
of Plant and Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs
per project in general areas and @ 33.33% subject to maximum of Rs. 75 lakhs per
project in difficult areas.The details of the financial assistance provided to the
entrepreneurs in the country during 11th Plan period is at annexure.