Approval for continuation of the National Mission on Food Processing

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the continuation of the National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) for the remainder of 12th Five Year Plan (2013-17) based on detailed proposals submitted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI).

The NMFP outlay for 2012-17 has been kept at Rs. 1,600 crore consisting of Rs. 1,250 crore provided by the Government of India (GOI) and corresponding State share of Rs. 350 crore. This includes Rs. 320 crore already approved for 2012-13, of which Rs. 250 crore was the GOI share and Rs. 70 crore was the State share.

The following schemes under the NMFP will be implemented by State Governments for the remainder of 12th Five Year Plan in pursuance of today`s approval:

i. Scheme for technology up-gradation / establishment / modernisation of food processing industries.

ii. Scheme for cold chain, value addition and preservation infrastructure for non- horticulture products.

iii. Setting up/ modernization/ expansion of abattoirs.

iv. Scheme for Human Resource Development (HRD).

v. Scheme for promotional activities.

vi. Creating primary processing centres / collection centres in rural areas.

vii. Modernization of meat shops.

viii. Reefer vehicles.

ix. Old Food Parks.

Continuation of NMFP shall help in the decentralization of the implementation of the Ministry`s schemes, which will lead to substantial participation of State Governments / Union Territories (UTs). Beneficiaries of MOFPI schemes will also find it easier to deal with State Governments.

The continuation of NMFP will also help States / UTs in maintaining requisite synergy between agriculture plans of States and the development of the food processing sector. This in turn would help in the increase in farm productivity, thereby leading to an increase in farmers` incomes. It would also help in ensuring an efficient supply chain by bridging infrastructural / institutional gaps. A National Food Processing Development Council (NFPDC) has been provided for under the chairmanship of the Minister for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries. The NFPDC will have representatives of State Governments, industry associations and related GOI departments. The council will provide guidance to MOFPI relating to the food processing sector, including the NMFP.

SC/NK/SKS

(Release ID :96856)