(a) whether the Government is considering for increasing focus on supply chain-related infrastructure, such as cold storage units, abattoirs and food parks and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is formulating any new scheme for growth in the food processing sector and transform the food economy as well as connect farmers with the value chain to increase their returns; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
(a) Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing various Central Sector Schemes for promotion and development of food processing sector in the country like (i) Scheme for Mega food Park (ii) Scheme for Modern Abattoirs (iii) Schemes for integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (iv) Scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Infrastructure (v) Scheme for Quality Assurance, and (vi) Scheme for Human Resource and institutions. The detailed guidelines of these schemes, explaining the pattern of financial assistance, eligibility criteria, procedure for approval of projects, timelines and release of grant-in-aid etc. are available on the Ministry’s website at www.mofpi.nic.in. The farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations, Entrepreneurs, Cooperative Societies, Self Help Groups, Private Companies and State PSUs etc. are eligible to avail financial assistance under these schemes for setting up food processing projects in the country.
(b) & (c) : Ministry has re-structured the on-going schemes and incorporated new schemes under the new Central Sector Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) for growth in food processing sector with focus on connecting farmers with the value chain to increase their returns. This Scheme aims at creation of modern infrastructure for development of processing clusters closer to production areas, increasing food processing and preservation capacity, promoting backward and forward linkages, skill development and creating infrastructure for quality assurance.