Question : R&D in Food Processing Industry

(a) whether inadequate Research and Development (R&D) activities are adversely affecting the food processing sector in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years;

(c) whether the Government is providing any investment-linked incentives for in-house R&D expenditure incurred by the companies and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the indigenously developed technologies which have been utilized gainfully for enhancing production and improving quality of food products during the last three years; and

(e) the further measures being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a) to (e): Considering the necessity of Research and Development activities in the food processing sector, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing a scheme for Research & Development (R&D) in processed food sector in the country. Under the scheme, financial assistance as grant- in-aid is given to various Universities, IITs, Central/ State Government Institutions, Government funded Organizations, R&D laboratories and CSIR recognized R&D units in private sector to promote and undertake demand driven R&D work in the field of processed food sector for product & process development, design and development of equipment, improved storage, shelf-life, packaging etc. Under the scheme, so far 208 R&D projects have been sanctioned; out of this 151 projects have been completed.

Government organizations/ Institutions/ Universities are eligible for 100% grant-in-aid for the cost of equipment, consumables and expenditure related to Junior Research Fellow/ Senior Research Fellow/ Research Associate, while private Organizations/ Institutions/ Universities are eligible for 50% grant-in-aid for the equipment cost in general areas and 70% grant-in-aid in difficult areas for conducting such research activities.

Scheme for Research and Development of MoFPI does not provide for investment-linked incentives for in-house R&D expenditure incurred by the companies.

Some of the indigenous technologies developed by Indian Institute of Food Processing technology (IIFPT) – an Autonomous organization under administrative control of MoFPI and research projects implemented through Science and Research Board (SERB) under R&D Scheme is placed at Annexure.
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