Question : PRESERVATION OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)

(a): A comprehensive quantitative assessment of Harvest and Post- Harvest losses for agricultural produces has been carried out by Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET). As per the study report published on 21st April, 2010, the losses in selected crops are as under:

Name of Sector	Losses (in %)
Selected Cereals	3.9 to 6.0
Pulses	4.3 to 6.1
Oil seeds	2.8 to 10.1
Selected fruits and	5.8 to 18.0
vegetables

(b) & (c): Due to fragmented supply chain and lack of adequate processing infrastructure along the value chain, the processing levels in the country are quite low.

(d): The scheme for Technology Upgradation/Establishment/Modernization of FPIs is applicable to promote latest technology in the preservation of perishable commodities including horticultural produce processing. The scheme envisages to extend the financialassistance for setting up of new food processing units as well as Technological Upgradation and Expansion of existingunits in the country. Ministry extends financial assistance in form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs @ 25% of the cost of Plant and Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject toa maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs in general areas and 33.33% subject to maximum of Rs.75 lakhs in difficult areas.

Besides, Ministry of Food Processing Industry is encouraging setting up of Cold Chain facilities, valueaddition and preservation infrastructure which envisagesfinancial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid @ 50% of the total cost of plant and machineries and technical civilworks in general areasand 75% for North Eastern Region anddifficult areas subject to a maximum of Rs. 10.00 crore.