Question : Assistance for FPIs

(a) whether the Government has any plans to support the Food Processing Industries(FPIs) that are under great distress due to COVID-19;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has any plans to give any institutional support to start Food Processing Industries in the backdrop of COVID-19, if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(d) whether the Government has issued any directives to the district authorities to support Food Processing Industries that are struggling due to COVID-19;

(e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (c): In order to ensure overall development of Food Processing Industries in the country including to deal with challenges arising out of COVID-19, Ministry Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has undertaken a number of initiatives as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative, which includes -

(i) Centrally Sponsored -PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing EnterprisesScheme (PMFME) for providing financial, technical and business support for setting up/upgradation of 2 lakh micro food processing enterprises across the country during five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 based on One District One Product (ODOP) approach with an outlay of Rs.10,000 crore.

(ii) The expansion in scope of “Operation Greens scheme” under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana from Tomato, Onion & Potato (TOP) from Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) to all notified fruits & vegetables (TOTAL).

(iii) Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLIS) for Food Processing Sector with anoutlay of Rs 10,900 Crore to support creation of global food manufacturing champions and support Indian brands of food products in international market.

(d) to (f): Union Home Secretary, vide Order No 40-3 / 2020- DM –I (A) dated15th April, 2020 dated, addressed to all Chief Secretaries/Administrators of States/ Union Territories, exempted Food Processing Industries in rural areas, apart from various agriculture and related activities from lockdown restrictions, subject to adherence of prescribed COVID norms. In order to facilitate food processing units resume their operations, MoFPI had established a dedicated Grievance Cell and a Task Force during initial phase of outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic itself to liaison with state authorities. A total of 585 industry related issues were resolved during the COVID lockdown period in 2020 by the Cell.

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