The Government is implementing infrastructure scheme to promote the food processing sector in the country. The components of the scheme include mega food parks, cold chain, value addition, preservation infrastructure and modernization of abattoirs. The farmers can avail these components to maximize the value addition, minimize wastage and improving their income.
Infrastructure Development Schemes:
Mega Food Parks:
Under the Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS) mega food parks can adopt a “cluster approach”, in which Central Processing Centre (hub) and Primary Processing Centres (spokes) will ensure availability of raw material for food processing units. This Scheme has infrastructure and core processing facilities provides for mega food parks to be promoted by Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV), with majority ownership by private sector (equity up to 26 % in SPV by the government is allowed).
Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure:
The Scheme for Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure is another significant initiative of the Ministry which emerged out of the realization that any effort to promote food processing sector has to necessarily address the challenges of existing logistical constraints, specially for perishables. This Scheme, therefore, aims at creating integrated and appropriate cold chain facilities, which would also lead to significant reduction in wastages of meat, dairy products, fish and agricultural perishables, specially fruits and vegetables.
Modernization of Abattoir:
The Scheme for Modernisation of Abattoirs is the third important component of the infrastructure development scheme of the Food Processing Ministry. This Scheme aims at creating infrastructure for hygienic and more humane slaughtering of animals leading to availability of more hygienic meat to the domestic consumers as well as for exports. This scheme is included in the National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP).
National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP):
Government has launched a National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP), a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme during 12th Plan to give further impetus to the food processing sector. The following schemes are included in the mission:
(i) Scheme for Technology Up-gradation/ Establishment/ Modernisation of Food Processing Industries:
The Scheme for Technology Up-gradation/Establishment/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries is another important scheme being implemented by the Ministry through National Mission on Food Processing. The objectives of this scheme is to create new processing capacity and up-gradation of existing processing capabilities and modernization of food processing sector.
(ii) Scheme for Cold Chain, Value addition and Preservation Infrastructure for Non Horticultural Products:
(iii) Scheme for Modernisation of Abattoirs: As above
(iv) Scheme for Human Resource Development (HRD) with the components of (a) Creation of Infrastructure Facilities for running Degree/ Diploma/ Certificate Courses in Food Processing Technology; (b) Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) and (c) Food Processing Training Centre (FPTC):
Scheme for Human Resource Development envisages financial assistance by way of grant to set up Food Processing Training Centres (FPTCs), creation of infrastructure for running Degree/Diploma courses in Food Processing in Universities, entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs)and Advanced Training Programmes.
(v) Scheme for Promotional Activities for
(a) Organising Seminar/ Workshops;
(b) Conducting Studies/ surveys;
(c) Support to Exhibitions / Fairs and
(d) Advertisement and Publicity.
(vi) Scheme for Creating Primary Processing Centers / Collection Centers in rural areas.
(vii) Modernisation of Meat shops.
(viii) Reefer Vehicles.
(ix) Old Food Parks.
The assistance under these schemes can be availed by the entrepreneurs including farmers for setting up and promoting food processing facilities. The development of food processing industries will help in minimizing wastage and maximizing value addition of agricultural and horticultural produce.
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