THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a): In terms of Reserve Bank of India extant guidelines on lending to priority
sector, loan for food and agro processing are eligible to be classified under
priority sector, provided the units satisfy investments criteria prescribed
for micro and small enterprises, as provided in “The Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises Development Act, 2006â€.
(b) & (c): Government has been promoting food processing with a view to
minimize harvest and post-harvest losses of major agricultural produce and
increase shelf life of food products. Promotional measures for increasing
exports of agricultural and processed food products include implementation
of Focus Product Scheme (FPS), Focus Market Scheme (FMS), Vishesh Krishi
and Gram Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) Scheme, Market Linked Focused Product (MLFPS)
Scheme etc. Promotion of food processing industry and export of food
products ensures better realisation for farm produces and benefits the farm sector.
(d): As per ASI data, 2010-11, there were 35,838 registered units in food
processing sector in the country with an aggregate fixed capital of
Rs.1,20,705/- crore.
(e): The Budget allocation for the food processing sector during 2010-11
to 2013-14 are as under:-
Year Budget Allocation (Rs.Crore)
2010-11 400.00
2011-12 600.00
2012-13 660.00
2013-14 708.00
For promoting food processing industries, Government has been implementing a number
of schemes such as
(i) Creation of infrastructure, which includes components like
Mega Food Parks; Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation infrastructure; and
Modernisation of Abattoirs,
(ii) Research & Development in Food
Processing Sector;
(iii) Establishment of Food Testing Laboratories; and
(iv)
Promotional Activities. Government has also launched a new Centrally Sponsored
Scheme – National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) on 01.04.2012 to support
food processing industry with active participation of the State/UT Governments.
The scheme provides for the establishment of a National Mission as well as
corresponding Missions at the State and District Level.NMFP is implemented
with financial contribution of Government of India and States/ UT in the
ratio of 75:25 except for North-Eastern States, where the ratio is 90:10.
Further, all the UTs are funded 100% by Government of India on grant basis.
