Govt only provides financial assistance for food processing units

New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) The government today made it clear in the Upper House that it does not set up food processing industries on its own, but Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) provides financial assistance for the same under a scheme.

Replying to a written question, Minister of State for MoFPI Subodh Kant Sahai said his ministry has been implementing a Plan scheme to provide financial assistance for technology upgradation, modernisation, establishment of food processing industries.

Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided in the form of grant-in-aid to all implementing agencies at the rate of 25 per cent of the cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works subject to maximum of Rs 50 lakh in general areas or 33.33 per cent subject to a maximum of Rs 75 lakhs in difficult areas.

The total amount of assistance provided under the scheme during the 10th Plan period till November 30, 2006 was Rs 218.67 crore, he added.

On the maintenance of food products, the minister said that food is a perishable item and it can be preserved by processing. For promoting food processing, the ministry is operating various plans to provide financial assistance.

Regarding investment in food processing sector, Mr Sahai informed that the investment proposals for the Eleventh Five Year Plan have not been finalised so far.

He further said that it is proposed to set up a National Meat Board for overseeing the growth and further promotion of meat and Poultry sector in the country.

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