New Delhi: Pashupati Paras, the Union Food Processing Industries Minister, in his interaction with ETV Bharat said that his Ministry would work towards better utilization and value addition of agricultural produce for enhancement of farmer income. He also claimed that over 6,50,000 people have got direct and indirect employment opportunities through 22 mega food parks which are operational throughout the country.
"First of all, I would like to thank PM Modi from the bottom of my heart, for having reposed faith in me, and having inducted me into his Cabinet as the Union Food Processing Industries Minister. The Ministry, I work for Food Processing Industries is related to farmers who grow food grains by toiling in the field. Sadly, they do not get a fair price and the crop is sold for low prices. So, my work is to ensure that food is processed properly and that wastage is minimized and that the income of farmers is doubled," Minister Paras said.
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The Union Minister further said that a total of 38 food parks were approved, including one in his district of Khagaria in Bihar. "It will be my endeavor to start the remaining food parks as soon as possible so that maximum employment can be given," the Cabinet Minister added, saying that Mega Food Parks help create a proper system for the storing and processing of crops and their supply to the market.
The objective of Mega Food Park Scheme is to provide a mechanism to link agricultural produce to the market by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers to maximize value addition and minimize wastage, the Minister said. He also opined that the food processing industry should be promoted with the participation of private sector companies.
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At present, around 792 projects have been approved by the private sector to start food processing industries and in this regard a grant-in-aid of Rs 5,792 crore has already been approved.
What exactly does the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) do?
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) was set up in 1947, in order to develop a strong food processing industry. The significant objectives of MOFPI are - 1. Better utilization and value addition of agricultural produce for improving farmer income 2. Minimize wastage in the food processing chain by developing infra for storage, transportation and processing of agro-foods 3. Induction of modern technology from both domestic and external sources 4. Maximize utilization of agricultural residues and by-products of the primary agricultural produce 5. To encourage Research & Development in food processing for product and process development & improved packaging, and 6. To provide policy support, promotional initiatives and physical facilities to promote value added exports.
