(a) whether the Government is aware that Cachar region of Assam
is known for large production of pineapple;
(b) if so, whether adequate processing facilities are available
in the region;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) if not, whether the Government proposes to set up processing
units in the interest of pineapple growers in the area; and
(e) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which it is
likely to be done?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b) & (c): The Ministry under its 11th Plan Scheme for Technology
Upgradation/ Establishment/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries
(FPIs) extends the financial assistance for setting up of new food
processing units as well as technological upgradation and expansion of
existing units in the country including that of Cachar region in Assam.
Ministry extends financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid to
entrepreneurs @ 25% of the cost of Plant and Machinery and Technical
Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs per project in general
areas and @ 33.33% subject to maximum of Rs. 75 lakhs per project in
difficult areas. Under the Scheme the sector includes, processing of
Milk, Fruit & Vegetables (including Pineapple), Meat , Poultry ,
fishery ,wine, consumer and other bakery products Non-perishable:
Grain milling (cereal, oil seeds,rice milling, flour milling,
pulse milling)
(d): There is no proposal to set up separate processing units in
the interest of pineapple growers in the area.
(e): Does not arise.