(a) whether the Government proposes to frame a new policy on food processing in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is a huge shortage of skilled manpower in food processing industry;
(d) If so, the details thereof; and
(e) the corrective measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a): At present there is no proposal to frame a new policy on food processing in the country.
(b): Does not arise.
(c) & (d): As per the study on mapping of human resource skill gaps in India till 2022 conducted by ICRA Management Consulting Services Ltd., for National Skilled Development Corporation in October 2009, the available skilled human resource supply in the organized sector in food processing, for the period 2008-2014 is 20400 on an annual basis as compared to an annual demand of 112633. This requirement is estimated to be over 5.3 lakh if the un-organized sector is also taken into account.
(e): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing the scheme of human resource development having sub components of creation of infrastructure facilities in Universities/Colleges, EDPs, setting up of Food Processing Training Centers (FPTCs) at recognized Institutes. The objective of the scheme is to develop technologists, Managers and Entrepreneurs in this sector. Apart from above, there are two institutions under the administrative control of this Ministry- Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) and National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurs & Management (NIFTEM) that aim to fill the gaps in the demand for skilled human resource for this sector.