Govt holds summit to promote ‘food parks’

In a bid to promote the food processing sector in potential states across India, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is conducting regional meetings at Chandigarh, Kolkata and Bangalore to promote food parks in north, east and southern regions. Taking that forward, a summit on 'Mega Food Park: Investment Destination' was jointly organised by MoFPI and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India (ASSOCHAM) in Chandigarh on Tuesday.

"We will also organise an event on food processing in Mumbai next year to provide potential investors information about the advantages of the scheme," said Rakesh Kacker, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India at the summit.

Talking about the positive aspect of the food park scheme, Kacker remarked, "We have ensured the close involvement of the central and the state governments. As part of the mega food park scheme we will be seeking private sector investments through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) and its director will be a nominee of the Government of India. Rs 250 crore is the amount as part of the budgetary provisions for the current financial year."

The Secretary further said that in Haryana, in-principle approval has been given to food parks in Una, Sirsa and Panipat and in Fazilka in Punjab.

Kacker said that the private sector will be provided with basic infrastructure facilities like water, drains, electricity, roads and that would enable them for a plot in the food park and the role of the state government would be of providing basic clearances.

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