(a) whether hardly 6 per cent of the agricultural produce is being processed in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is taking any steps to encourage creation of producers’ societies to fund the food processing sector for creating facilities for value added products;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the response of the State Governments in this regard ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)
(a) & (b): Data on processing of agricultural produces is not centrally maintained by the Ministry. However, M/s Rabo Bank has conducted a study for preparation of Vision Document, suggesting strategy & action plan for Food Processing Sector in India in the year 2005 and has mentioned in the Vision Document that the level of processing of perishable in the country is 6%.
(c): At present there is no such proposal under consideration of the Ministry to encourage creation of producers’ societies to fund the food processing sector for creating facilities for value added products.
(d) & (e): Does not arise.