Food Processing Capacity being Enhanced to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
Due to fragmented supply chain and lack of adequate processing infrastructure along the value chain, the processing levels in the country are quite low resulting in considerable amount of wastage of agri and horticulture produce.
As per a study conducted by the Central Institute for Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, post harvest losses in 2009 were estimated to be Rs. 44,530 crores.
As per the competitiveness report of National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council there are 25,367 registered food processing units in the country whose total invested capital is Rs. 84,094 crores and annual turnover is Rs. 204,267 crores.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) has been implementing various plan schemes for promotion and development of food processing sector by providing assistance to entrepreneurs so as to encourage private investment in the sector. These schemes are i) Scheme for Infrastructure Development with major components i.e. Mega Food Park, Cold Chain, Value addition & Preservation Infrastructure & Modernization of Abattoirs, ii) Technology Upgradation/Establishment/ Modernization of FPIs, iii) Scheme for Quality Assurance, Codex Standards and R&D iv) Scheme for Human Resource Development, v) Scheme for Strengthening of Institution and vi) Scheme for Upgradation of Quality of Street Food.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Harish Rawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
MP:CP: capacity (rajya) 11.3.2011