THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b): Based on the report of Working Group, the Infrastructural Development Scheme for Mega Food Park, Cold Chains and Abattoirs has been proposed to be continued in the 12th plan with proposal for expansion of the scheme during 12th Plan. Plan document has been submitted to the Planning Commission for consideration and approval. The Budget Allocation (BE) for various components of the scheme during the year 2012-13 are as under:-
1. Mega Food Park Scheme : Rs. 86.00 Crore
2. Cold Chain, Value Addition & : Rs. 86.00 Crore
Preservation Infrastructure Scheme
3. Setting up of New Abattoirs and : Rs. 19.00 Crore
Modernization of Existing Abattoirs
(c) & (d): Yes Madam. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has approved 49 projects so far for establishing cold chain facilities to be implemented by the private/co-operative sectors under the scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure.
(e): Yes Madam. As per the study conducted by the Central Institute for Post Harvest Engineering & Technology, Ludhiana, (published in 2010) Post Harvest losses of major agricultural produces at National level were estimated to the tune of about Rs. 44,000 crore per annum at wholesale prices of May 2009.
(f): The Ministry provides financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid @ 50% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in general areas, and @ 75% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in difficult areas subject to a maximum of Rs.10.00 crore for strengthening and value addition of cold chain infrastructure.
provides financial assistance to the food processing units in the country. Under the scheme, grant-in-aid is provided @25% of the cost of plant & machinery and technical civil works subject to maximum of Rs. 50.00 lakhs in general areas and @33.33% subject to a maximum of Rs. 75.00 lakhs in difficult areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and North Eastern States, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep and ITDP areas.
The schemes of the Ministry are operated in all parts of the country including the Bundelkhand region of the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Other agencies of the Government like National Horticulture Mission (NHM), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) also provide assistance for cold storages under their respective schemes. “Creation and Management of cold chain infrastructure†for agriculture has been identified a thrust area by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
