(a) whether the Government has formed proper line of action regarding food processing units in rural areas and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the Government has done any research to prepare the database for setting up of Food Processing units in rural areas and if so, the details thereof?
(a): The Government is implementing a number of Central Sector Schemes for promotion and development of food processing industries in the country including rural areas. These schemes are (1) Scheme of Mega Food Parks; (2) Scheme of Modern Abattoirs; (3) Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure; (4) Scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation; (5) Scheme for Quality Assurance; and (6) Scheme for Human Resource and Institutions. These schemes are demand driven and not specific to any region. Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations, Individuals, Group of Entrepreneurs, Cooperative Societies, Self Help Groups, NGO’s, Central/State PSU etc. are eligible to avail financial assistance under these schemes for setting up food processing industries in the country including rural areas.
(b): Central Statistical Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) under the aegis of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, regularly update data on food processing industries in the country including in the rural areas to facilitate policy formulation on food processing sector.