(a) whether the Government has conducted any survey for potential assessment and development of food processing industries in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether any food parks are proposed to be set up in Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)
(a)& (b): No specific survey of food processing industries has been conducted by the Ministry. However, Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) by Central Statistics Office (CSO) is the main source of data on the number of units, number of persons engaged, investment in fixed capital and other important characteristics including food processing units registered under Factories Act, 1948. Information on state/UT wise number of units, number of person engaged and investment in fixed capital as per the latest ASI: for 2012-13, is given in the Annexure.
(c) & (d): Expression of Interest (EOI) for setting up of Mega Food Park had been invited by the Government on all India basis on 10.02.2014 with last date of 31.07.2014. In response to EOI, total 72 proposals had been received including 8 proposals received from Andhra Pradesh for setting up of Mega Food Parks. Based upon the merit worked out by observing a thorough & transparent procedure, proposal of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Cooperation, for setting up of Mega Food Park at Thotapalli (V), Agiripalli (M), Krishna District at a proposed total project cost of Rs. 152.16 crore has been approved “In-principle” by the Government on 31.03.2015.
Besides the above Mega Food Park, two Mega Food Parks have already been accorded final approval by the Government in Andhra Pradesh at Chittoor and West Godavari. Mega Food Park at Chittoor being implemented by M/s Srini Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at a total project cost Rs. 121.10 crore has become operational. Mega Food Park at West Godavari being implemented by M/s Godavari Mega Aqua Park Pvt. Ltd. at a total project cost of Rs.122.60 crore is progressing towards implementation. Under the old scheme of Food Parks, one Food Park has also been implemented by Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Cooperation in Andhra Pradesh at Kuppam, Chittoor.