Govt proposes new scheme to set up mega food parks

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) The Government today informed the Rajya Sabha that it has proposed a new scheme for setting up mega food parks in the country.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai said the parks have been envisaged as a well defined agri/horticulture processing zone containing state-of-the-art processing facilities with support infrastructure and well established supply chain.

The proposed scheme aims to provide a mechanism to bring together farmers, processors and retailers and link agricultural production to the market so as to ensure maximisation of value addition, minimise wastage and improve farmers income.

The Ministry has initiated the process of getting conducted feasibility studies for setting up of mega food parks in the country. The scheme which includes setting up of 30 Mega Food Parks with a higher level assistance of a ceiling of Rs 50 crore each, is under consideration/consultation with Planning Commission for inclusion in the XI Five Year Plan and upon approval of the scheme, formal proposals would be invited, Mr Sahai added.

UNI