56 food-processing units approved in NE

Shillong, Dec 6 (UNI) The Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries has approved the setting up of about 56 food processing units in the North Eastern States during the Tenth Plan period.

The highest number of units have been approved in Asom, being 33.

Number of units approved in the other states are: Manipur (8), Mizoram (4), Tripura (4), Meghalaya (3), Nagaland (3) and Arunachal Pradesh (1), official sources said here today.

The Ministry has been implementing a Plan Scheme to provide financial assistance for technology upgradation / modernization / establishment of food processing industries.

Under the scheme, sources said financial aid will be 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 lakhs in general areas of 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 Tenth Plan period till November 30, 2006 is Rs.218.67 crore.

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