PM to inaugurate Conference of State Ministers of Food Processing Industries today

New Delhi, Oct 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the first Conference of State Ministers of Food Processing Industries here today.

Some of the key issues, which are likely to be discussed in the conference are Government Policies and Procedures, inadequate infrastructure along the value chain, diversification of Product Portfolio and Commercialisation, enabling Policy Structure for Food Processing Sector and schemes for Infrastructure Development.

Food Processing is of paramount importance to the country as it has the potential to transform the current subsistence agriculture being practised in large parts of the country to a more remunerative and environmentally sustainable occupation.

The role of food processing industry is accelerating the growth of agriculture sector in the country becomes critical as it has the potential to drive the rural economy by bringing synergy between industry and agriculture.

A developed food processing industry leads to increase in farm gate prices translating into increased rural incomes, reduction in wastages, ensures value addition, promotes crop diversification, generates employment opportunities as apart from significantly contributing to export earnings. (ANI)