(a) whether the Government propose to bring a National Policy for the Food Processing Industry;
(b) whether the Committee constituted for this purpose has submitted its report;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by which the policy is likely to be announced;
(d) whether the Government have earmarked any National Fund for the development of the Food Processing Sector; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SUNDER LAL PATWA )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the
House.
Statement referred to in reply to Parts (b) to (e) of the
Lok Sabha Starred Question No.181 due for answer on 8th March, 2000.
While no Committee has been constituted for the
specific purpose of food processing policy formulation,
however, pursuant to the recommendations of the Development
Council on Processed Fruits & Vegetables, Cereal Products &
Beverages made in the meeting held in December, 1998, a Task
Force has been constituted to identity the problems faced by
the processed food industry and to suggest action points to
solve problems of processed food sector in India requiring
short-term solutions in the following areas:-
a) Post harvest infrastructure including cold chain system for perishables.
b) Optimum utilization of eco-friendly packaging materials.
c) Backward linkages by processors with farmers.
d) Marketing of processed foods for domestic consumption and exports.
The Report of the Task Force is almost ready and the
valuable inputs in the Report would be used in the
formulation of Food Processing Policy as well.
As wide ranging consultations would be required with
the State Governments and other inter-related Departments of
Government of India before the policy is finalized, it is
difficult to indicate a time-frame within which the policy
will announced.
The Plan Schemes of the Department of Food Processing
Industries for the year 2000-01 include a token provision of
Rs. 1 crore in connection with creation of a fund for the
development of the food processing industries.