Six new schemes for food processing in MP: Minister

Bhopal, Sep 6 (UNI) In a bid to provide impetus to food processing in Madhya Pradesh, State Minister of Food Processing Industries Karan Singh Verma today said the government envisaged to introduce six new schemes during the period 2007-08 and 2011-12.

Speaking on an awareness programme, organised by the PHD Chamber and Quality Council of India here, the minister said three new food parks would be set up soon at a cost of Rs 263 lakh.

Mr Verma said food safety has been a major concern worldwide and all the major countries of the world have set down certain standards, which India had to comply with before supplying food products to the golbal market.

In his welcome address, PHD Chamber Regional Director R Kothari said, ''India has great potential for food processing, as it is the world's largest producer of various food commodities like fruits, vegetable, grains, spices, milk, livestock and poultry. But this potential can only be availed once the food processors and all the stakeholders of good industry realise the importance of food safety.'' Director (Horticulature) A K Singh emphasised on the responsibility of industry to assure markets of the agriculture produce by following food safety norms.

UNI BDG PS SBC HS1815