Question : FOOD PROCESSING FACILITIES

(a) whether India`s present level of food processing is low in comparison to neighbouring/developed countries;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the quantity of food wasted due to lack of food processing facilities in the country;

(d) whether India`s share in the export of processed food in global trade is extremely poor;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the achievements made in the food processing sector during the last three years; and

(g) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve the situation and also to involve the private sector in food processing?

THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) to (g): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (g) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.113 FOR ANSWER ON 29.11.2011 REGARDING FOOD PROCESSING FACILITIES.

(a): There is no comparable data to assess the level of food processing in India as compared to other neighbouring/developed countries.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): As per study conducted by the Central Institute for Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana (published in 2010) the economic value of estimated harvest and post harvest losses of major agricultural produce at national level has been computed based on wholesale prices of 2009 and is about Rs. 44,000 crore per annum.

(d): India’s share in the export of processed food (Meat & Meat Preparations; Fish, crustaceans & molluscs and preparations; Cereals and cereal preparations; Vegetables and fruits; Sugar, sugar preparations and Honey; Coffee/Tea/Cocoa, Spices and manufactures) in global trade is estimated at 1.98% in the year 2008 (as per United Nations, 2008 International Trade Statistics Year Book, UN- 2009, cited in Economic Survey 2010-11).

(e): India’s share in exports of all commodities in 2008 was 1.1% (as per Economic Survey 2010-11). Comparatively, exports of processed food had a higher share.

(f): The food processing sector has been growing at an average of over 8% per annum during the period 2007-2010.

(g): The Government have also taken up a number of schemes for setting up of Mega Food Parks, establishing Cold Chains and construction and modernization of Abattoirs, for setting up new food processing plants, technology upgradation in existing plants and schemes for improving skill development in the 11th Plan. These schemes have provision for involvement of the private sector.