New Scheme For Technology Upgradation to Minimise Waste of Fruits and Vegetables Launched
New Scheme For Technology Upgradation to Minimise Waste of Fruits and Vegetables Launched
Government of India has launched a new scheme for technology upgradation and establishment as well as modernisation of the food processing industries across the nation. The aim is to minimise the wastage of perishable fruits and vegetables.
Food processing industries minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has indicated that the National Mission of Food Processing is to be implemented in the 12th Plan period. The aim is to set up primary processing centres as well as collection centres apart from technology upgradation and establishment as well as modernisation of the industries.
These schemes of the mission have been implemented by state governments and they will receive sanction. Funds will also be released for eligible applicants according to a statement issued by the minister in the Lok Sabha.
Badal has also indicated that the ministry has entered into an agreement in the year 2012 with France for the promotion of cooperation in the field of food processing and allied sectors.
As per the technology upgradation scheme grant-in-aid has been sanctioned by the Ministry to 3438 units in the 11th Plan and 2509 in the 12th Plan as per media reports for the setting up of the food processing industries and its modernisation.
The minister also indicated that the government has review the decision to set up Mega Food Parks as of 22 out of the 40 parks have been sanctioned. Badal has also indicated that the country has produced more fruits and vegetables rather than cereals in the past year.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has also approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme entitled “National Mission on Food Processing” which will be carried out in cooperation with State governments in the year 2012-2013.
The NMFP scheme would enable the States and Uts to maintain the required synergy between agriculture plans of the States and Development of food processing sectors which would them help to increase farm productivity and increase the income of farmers as well.
Efforts are also being made to ensure efficient supply chain through the bridging of infrastructural and institutional gaps. A National Food Processing Development Council/NFPDC has been set up under the Chairmanship of Minister (Agriculture and FPI) with state government representatives along with representation of the concerned government departments and industry associations.
Thus guidance will be provided to schemes of Ministry of Food Processing Industries including the NMFP.
