(a) whether Saurashtra Region in Gujarat is a leading producer of fruits and vegetables in the country;
(b) if so, whether adequate food processing facilities are available in Saurashtra region including Rajkot to meet the demand of food processing in the region;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps being taken to promote food processing in the region and provide platform for its marketing and export along with the success achieved therein?
(a) to (d): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing following Central Sector Schemes under “PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA” for promotion and development of food processing sector in the country including Saurashtra region:
(i) Mega Food Parks;
(ii) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure;
(iii) Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities;
(iv) Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters;
(v) Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages;
(vi) Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure; and
(vii) Human Resources and Institutions.
These schemes are project oriented. The proposals for setting up of projects under these schemes are invited through Expression of Interest uploaded on the Ministry’s website and widely published in the newspapers and electronic media as and when required. Entrepreneurs, Farmers, Cooperatives, Corporations, Self Help Groups, Farmers Producer Organizations, State PSUs / Private Companies etc. are eligible to apply in accordance with guidelines of the Schemes.
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