Question : PRODUCTION OF IMPORTED PROCESSED ITEMS



(a) whether the Government proposes to start the production of those processed food items in the country itself which are being imported presently;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken in this regard so far?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)

(a) to (c): The Government does not set up Food Processing Industries on its own. Approval of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is also not required for starting a new FPI unit. The Government implements several Plan Schemes for promotion of food processing industries. Financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid for Technology Upgradation / Establishment / Modernization of food processing units is given at the rate of 25% and 33.33% of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakh in general areas and Rs. 75 lakh in difficult areas like North East, J&K, Uttranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep and ITDP areas. Other schemes for assistance are also being operated for facilitating food processing industries.