(a) whether the Government has entered into any technical agreement or signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with leading fruit and vegetable processing industrial countries to develop the Food Processing Industries; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR.CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Ministry of Food Processing Industries has entered into agreements with some developed countries
viz. Germany and France for bilateral co-operation in the field of Food Processing, which generally include processed
food segments including fruits & vegetables. Besides, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has entered into number
of umbrella agreements with some developed countries like USA, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Argentina, Austria, Brazil
for bilateral co-operation in the areas of agriculture and allied sectors which generally include agro and food processing,
cold chain etc. Apart from this, MoUs have been entered into by the two institutions of the Ministry, namely National
Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM) & Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology
(IICPT). These MoUs relate to collaboration in teaching and research in the food processing sector.