Question : SETTING UP OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

(a) whether the Union Government has any proposal to set up food processing industries in the country including Jharkhand, Punjab, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha and Bihar;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and location- wise;

(c) whether any incentive has been given by the Union Government to encourage setting up of such units in the rural areas of the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the financial assistance provided by the Union Government for such industries, State-wise?

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

(a) to (e): Under the Scheme for Technology Upgradation/ Establishment/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries, financial assistance is provided in the form of grants-in- aid for setting up of new food processing units as well as Technological Upgradation and Expansion of existing units in the country including Jharkhand, Punjab, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Orissa and Bihar and rural areas. Ministry extends financial assistance in the form of grant- in-aid to entrepreneurs @ 25% of the cost of Plant & Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs in general areas or 33.33% subject to a maximum of Rs. 75 lakhs in difficult areas.

The state-wise details of financial assistance and number of units assisted in last three years and current year is enclosed.