Question : STEPS IN DAYS SCHEMES

(a) whether the “100 Steps in 100 days” Scheme has been successful in initiating the steps taken under this scheme; and

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES ( SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI )

(a) & (b) : The implementation of the “100 steps in 100 days” agenda of the Ministry is a continuous process. As a part of the implementation of this agenda, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries organized the 1st Conference of State Food Processing Ministers on 6.10.2009 at New Delhi. A number of issues relating to the development of the sector were discussed. Among the issues that were discussed include development of food processing infrastructure, formulation of food processing policies, capacity building, financing for the sector, food safety and quality and institutional strengthening.

Apart from the above, the Ministry has taken various other initiatives such as increasing coordination with National Skill Development Coordination Board in Planning Commission and providing critical inputs for the study conducted by National Skill Development Corporation for identifying gaps in skilled manpower in food processing sector. The Ministry has also taken up with Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Labour and Employment for suitable action for inclusion of food processing sector in their respective schemes. One business incubation centre has been inaugurated by Secretary, FPI on 28.8.2009 at Thanjavur.

Under the Scheme of Setting up/ Technology Upgradation/ Expansion/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries, Ministry has extended the financial assistance to 320 new industries in this period in the fields of fruits and vegetables processing, meat processing, dairy processing, fish processing, grain processing and consumer industry in the country within the available funds. One national level workshop of Industrial, scientific and research institutions for identifying evolving areas of research in food processing sector was convened on 31.7.2009. An exhibition cum training programme at regional level for stakeholders in the sector relating to technology upgradation, quality, packaging and market access has been organized at Aahar, Chennai. A new website, including a magazine on food processing sector have been launched for the Ministry. The funds have been disbursed for the construction of modern abattoir at Dimapur, Nagaland and Shilong in Meghalaya.