Question : MEGA FOOD PARKS

(a) whether the Government has conducted a survey to identify States/UTs which has great potential for setting up of Food Processing Industries;

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to create Mega/Large Food Parks in the States/UTs in the ensuring year;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to take the assistance of neighbouring countries like Bhutan who are much advanced in processing of fruits and vegetables?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Dose not arise.

(c)&(d): Ministry of Food Processing Industries has got sanction of the Government for establishing a total of 42 Mega Food Parks in the country. 40 Mega Food Park projects have been accorded In-principle approval by the Ministry. Out of the 40 approved projects, 21 projects have been accorded final approval for implementation whereas In-principle approval accorded to 15 projects has been cancelled due to their failure to meet the conditions of final approval or unsatisfactory implementation of the project. To fill up the vacancies of the sanctioned projects created due to cancellations etc., the Ministry had invited Expressions of Interest/proposals. The last date for submission of proposals was 31st July, 2014. The selection of the eligible projects is made based on predetermined parameters based on merit and there is no provision in the relevant Scheme Guidelines for preference to any specific State(s)/UTs etc. However, efforts have been made by the Ministry to set up at least one Mega Food Park in each State/UT depending on the receipt of the eligible proposal.

(e): There is no proposal for taking assistance of the neighbouring countries like Bhutan etc.