Govt to allocate 17 food parks to various cos by March-end

New Delhi, Mar 10: Government is likely to allocate 17 food parks to different companies by the end of this month, which will attract an estimated investment of about Rs 2,100 crore. "...we have received proposals for allocations of food parks, we are in the process of evaluating those proposals and I think very soon we would be able to allocate these food parks," Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said today.

She was speaking on the sidelines of International Food and Hospitality Fair 'AAHAR' organised by Indian Trade Promotion Organisation.

The government has received 72 proposals from various companies including Adani Group, ITC and Future Group for 17 food parks and each of them is expected to attract a minimum investment of about Rs 125 crore. So, the total amount for all 17 food parks is expected at Rs 2,100 crore.

According to sources, the Ministry is in the final stage of allocating these food parks and most likely by the end of this month these parks would be allocated. The Minister also added it will be ensured that at least one Mega Food Park is established in every state. Under the scheme (2008-09) of mega food parks, the Food Processing Ministry had sanctioned 42 projects throughout the country. Of these, 25 parks have already been allocated.

Badal further said that only 2 per cent of total fruits, vegetables and grains produced in the country is processed.

The Mega Food Park Scheme is based on cluster approach and are based on hub and spoke model. It aims at facilitating the establishment of a strong food processing industry backed by an efficient supply chain, which includes collection centres, central processing center (CPC) and cold chain infrastructure.

The scheme envisages one time capital grant of 50 per cent of the project cost (excluding land cost) subject to a maximum of Rs 50 crore in general areas, and 75 per cent of the project cost (excluding land cost) subject to a ceiling of Rs 50 crore, in difficult and hilly areas including north east region and J&K.

PTI