(a) whether any scheme to set up agro-based new industries in the country is under the consideration of the Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to set up agro-based industries in the Northern States including Uttar Pradesh; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI RAMESWAR TELI)
(a) to (d): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is already implementing a Central Sector Umbrella Scheme – PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA - (PMKSY) with an allocation of Rs.6000 crore for the period 2016-20 with the scheme components viz: (i) Mega Food Parks, (ii) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, (iii) Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, (iv) Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, (v) Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities, (vi) Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure and (vii) Human Resources and Institutions for setting up of various food processing industries/projects/units in the country for preservation and processing of various agro-produce such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk, fish, poultry & meat etc. in the country including in the Northern States and Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry is also implementing another Central Sector Scheme "Operation Greens" under PMKSY since November 2018 for integrated development of value/supply chain of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops in selected States on pilot basis that includes the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Government does not set up any food processing industries/projects/units on its own. Under the schemes of PMKSY financial assistance in the form grants-in-aid is provided to farmers, entrepreneurs, organizations such as Central and State PSUs/Joint Ventures/Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)/NGOs/Cooperatives/SHGs/ Public and Private Companies etc. to set up food processing industries/projects/units. These Schemes are demand driven. Financial assistance is provided to the eligible applicant from all parts of the country including the Northern States and Uttar Pradesh as per the Scheme guidelines and against the Expression of Interest issued by the Ministry from time to time.
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