Centre gives the nod for setting up of 30 new cold chain projects

The Dollar Business Bureau The Government of India has sanctioned the proposal for setting up of 30 new cold chain proposals with a grant-in-aid of Rs 274.9 crore. The above information was given by Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing Industries, who told the media that the aid would attract an investment of Rs 470 crore, reported a PIB release. The minister also stated that, to boost the creation of infrastructure for food processing, the Ministry has, in the last one year, inaugurated two Mega Food Parks - one in Karnataka and another in Fazilka in Punjab. Three more Mega Food Parks are to be inaugurated shortly in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. Government has announced 17 new Mega Food Parks in last one year. It has also completed 14 Cold Chain projects and 30 new Cold Chain projects are being announced, said the minister. The Minister also informed that the Government has also set up a Fund of Rs. 2000 crores under NABARD for extending affordable credit to entrepreneurs for designated food parks and for setting up of food processing units in the designated food parks. The Government has classified loans to food and agro based processing units and cold chains under agriculture activities for Priority Sector Lending (PSL). The Ministry is working with the industry for imparting industry relevant skill training including development of course content in identified sectors of food processing. The investor-friendly Investor’s Portal has all the required information available online. India is the third largest food producer in the world yet barely 2.2% of fruits and vegetables are processed.    

May 19, 2015 | 7:24 pm IST.