(a) whether the Government has any proposal to set up Dedicated Agro Processing Zones in near future specially in Bihar, UP and West Bengal;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details of the steps taken/to be taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) do not set up Agro Processing Clusters on its own. However, MoFPI is implementing a Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) to promote setting up of 100 agro processing clusters in the country including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. State-wise allocation of agro processing clusters has been made based on the agri production of States / UTs.
The Project Execution Agency (PEA) / organizations such as Government / Public Sector Undertaking (PSUs) / Joint Ventures / Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) / Cooperatives / Self Help Groups (SHGs) / Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) / Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) / Private Sector / partnership firm / individuals etc. are eligible for financial assistance under the scheme.
The scheme envisages grants-in-aid @35% of eligible project cost in general areas and @50% of eligible project cost in hilly and difficult areas [i.e. North East Region including Sikkim, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) notified areas and Islands] subject to maximum of Rs. 10.00 crore per project. The statement indicating state-wise allocation of the agro processing clusters and sanctioned by the MoFPI in the country is at Annexure.
(d): MoFPI had issued Expression of Interest (EOI) for inviting online proposals from potential investors / entrepreneurs willing to setup agro processing clusters in the country including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Further, while inviting the proposals under the scheme, wide publicity is given through print media and Ministry’s website from time to time.
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