Center Approves 17 Mega Food Parks For Food Processing

24 March, New Delhi

The government has approved 17 mega food parks for food processing across the country. Out of these, 7 parks have been allotted to state agencies whereas 10 to private players in 11 states, envisaging an investment of over 6,000 crore rupees.

Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that these food parks will attract more investment in the concerned states and generate employment opportunities. She said it will benefit five lakh farmers who are suffering due to lack of storage and proper transport system.

The Minister further added that these projects will help create infrastructure in rural areas in the line of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project Make in India. The total cost involves 2,333 crore rupees which include 850 crores from central government.

An estimated investment of another 4,000 crore would be from food processing units to be set up in these parks.

The minister also said the government intends to establish atleast 2 to 3 mega parks in each state backed by an efficient supply chain, collection and central processing centres and cold chain infrastructure.

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.