(a) whether the Government proposes to launch any schemes to assist the farmers for setting up of mobile processing vans and food processing centres through public, public private partnership initiative at village level;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering to provide assistance to the women self-help groups to establish such units;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a)& (b): No, Madam. However, the Ministry of Food processing Industries launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) in 12th Plan (2013-17). Under the mission, a new scheme has been introduced for setting up of Primary Processing Centres/Collection Centres (PPCs/CCs) in rural areas, for creation of effective backward linkages and empowerment of farmers in the country. Financial assistance upto Rs.2.50 crore is provided to the eligible entrepreneurs, farmers etc. under the above scheme of the Mission.
The scheme envisages Minimum Processing facilities at the farm level, which may include facilities for weighing, sorting, grading, packaging, pre-cooling, Controlled Atmosphere, Cold Storage, Dry Warehouses and Individual Quick Freezing (IQF). Also for Mobile Pre-cooling trucks and reefer trucks, which may be suitable for transportation of perishable agricultural produce/ horticulture/dairy/meat/fish produce.
(c) to (e): The above said scheme is not gender specific. However, as per the scheme/mission guidelines, the individual entrepreneurs/ farmers, group of entrepreneur/farmers, associations, co-operative societies, self-help groups (including women groups) and non-government organizations are eligible for assistance to establish such units.