(a) whether the Government proposes to launch any new Scheme related to technological upgradation and modernisation of food processing industries;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to set up more food processing training centres in various States;
(d) if so, the details of steps taken in this regard, State-wise; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government for upgrading technologies in food processing sector?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b): The Working Group constituted on Food Processing Sector for Ministry of Food Processing Industries for 12th Five Year Plan has recommended the launch of a new centrally sponsored scheme - National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) w.e.f. 01.04.2012 (2012-13). The scheme of technology upgradation and modernization of food processing industries has been subsumed in the NMFP.
(c) & (d): Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) does not set up Food Processing Training Centres (FPTCs) on its own. However, MFPI had been providing financial assistance during 11th Plan for setting up of Food Processing Training Centres in various States. FPTCs are one of the components of HRD scheme of the Ministry which has been subsumed under NMFP w.e.f. 01.04.2012 (2012-13).
(e): For upgrading technologies in the food processing sector, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) under the scheme of Technology Upgradation/ Modernization/ Establishment of Food Processing Industries during 11th Plan had been providing financial assistance to food processing units 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 or @ 33.33% subject to maximum of 75.00 lakhs in difficult areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and North Eastern States, A & N Island, Lakshadweep and ITDP areas.