Govt approves setting up of 12 mega food parks

The government today approved setting up of 12 mega food parks during the 12th Plan period (2012-17) with an allocation of Rs 1,714 crore in order to boost the food processing sector. The setting up of mega food parks would lead to creation of adequate infrastructure in the country with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the setting up of already appraised 12 new Mega Food Park projects as per 11th Plan pattern of assistance," an official statement said. The mega food parks scheme will be implemented with an allocation of Rs 1,714 crore during the 12th Plan.

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"Estimated investment in each project is around Rs 100 crore in common facilities and leverage an additional investments about of Rs 250 crore," the statement said. The government expects the annual turnover of each project to be around Rs 500 crore and said the food parks would generate about 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.

"Expected to benefit 6000 farmers/producers directly and 25,000-30,000 farmers indirectly. In each Project, as per an estimate 30-40 food processing industries are expected to be setup," an official statement said highlighting the salient features of mega food park. The Centre will provide 50 per cent grant of the eligible project cost in general areas and of the 75 per cent of eligible project cost in difficult and hilly areas subject to maximum of Rs 50 crore per project, it added. 

CCEA has also approved an allocation of Rs 786 crore for setting up of cold chain projects in the 12th plan period. Of which Rs 460 crore would be utilised for setting up of 75 new cold chain projects this plan, the rest for 63 projects that have been already been approved in the 11th Plan, an official statement said.

So far, the government has sanctioned 63 new cold chain projects and total project cost would be Rs 1391.96 crore, which includes central grant of Rs 480.16 crore and private investment of Rs 910.90 crore, it added. The funds have been allocated for setting up of cold chain storage with a view to reduce the wastage of perishable products estimated to be 6-8 per cent.