Question : PLAN SCHEME FOR TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION MODERNISATION ESTABLISHMENT OF FPI

(a) whether the Government provides financial and other assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers for setting up of small food processing units within their local areas under the Plan Scheme for Technology Upgradation/ Modernisation/ Establishment of Food Processing Industries;

(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government is considering raising the current loan / subsidy limit for the FPIs under the scheme;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether there is any provision to impart training to farmers/MSMEs under the scheme; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) under its 11th Plan scheme for Technology Upgradation/ Modernization/ Establishment of Food Processing Industries extends financial assistance for setting up of new food processing units as well as technology upgradation and expansion of existing units in the country. MOFPI extends financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid @ 25% of the cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50.00 lakhs in general areas and @ 33.33% subject to a maximum of 75.00 lakhs in difficult areas. The state-wise details of the financial assistance provided under the scheme during the last three years and the current year is at Annexure-I.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): No, Madam.

(f): Does not arise.