Question : INTEGRATED PACK HOUSES

(a) the details of integrated packing houses and vapour heat treatment plants set up in the country, location-wise;

(b) the details of benefits to farmers with integrated pack house and vapour heat treatment plants, for treatment of fruits like mangoes, bananas, apples and tomatoes, etc.;

(c) whether the Government is providing incentives, subsidies and loan facilities with a low rate of interest to farmers` community to establish their own plants in districts; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a & b) The details of integrated pack house and vapour heat treatment plant set-up with the financial assistance provided by Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in the country, location wise, are given at Annexure – I and Annexure – II. The financial assistance provided by APEDA for setting up the above mentioned facilities helps in retaining the quality of their produce, reduce deterioration and thereby ensure better remunerative prices for the farmers.

(c & d) APEDA provides financial assistance to only registered exporters for setting up infrastructure facilities like integrated pack houses. In addition, the State Government establishments are provided financial assistance for setting up the integrated pack houses and Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) plants to the extent of 100% of the eligible project cost.