(a) whether export of processed food is far below expected targets;
(b) if so, the targets vis-Ã -vis actuals during each of the last
three years;
(c) the reasons for less exports than the targets, if any; and
(d) the steps being taken to strengthen Research and Development
(R&D) in the food processing sector in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) to (c): The export of processed foods excluding the marine
products in the year 2005-2006 was Rs. 8728 crores against a
target of Rs. 6670 crores. The export of marine products in the
year 2005-2006 was 1644 million dollars against a target of 1450
million dollars.
(d): Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in order to promote
Research and Development (R&D) in the food processing sector,
provides grant-in-aid upto 100% of the capital cost of
laboratories and testing centres to Central / State Government
organizations/IITs/Universities and 33% of the capital cost for
general areas and 50% of the capital cost for difficult areas to
all other implementing agencies. Such assistance has been given
to 56 institutions till date.