ITANAGAR, Sep 3:  Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industry (FPI) Rameswar Teli on his visit to the state has assured that Central Ministry will extend full cooperation to Arunachal Pradesh for the flourish of food processing industries.
Teli, who is from Northeast representing the Dibrugarh parliamentary constituency was speaking at the inaugural function of a Workshop on Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) here at the State Banquet Hall today. The Minister while opining that food processing industry has immense potential in the Northeast but is yet to be explored to its optimum level, said that central government will leave no stone unturned to make it a game-changer in the region. He said the region with its vast resources and bio-diversity produces ample exotic fruits and vegetables, which can be made economically viable through food processing industry. To give a fillip to the industry, his ministry is planning to establish a Food Technology Institute in Assam so that youths of the region can qualify as food technology professionals, he disclosed.
Citing the rich potential of Arunachal Pradesh in this sector, Teli called for creation of a Food Processing Department to deal exclusively with the subject and offered full cooperation of his Ministry in this regard. Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to uplift the sector, the MoS urged the state government to fast-track the establishment of a Mega Food Park in Arunachal which had already received Centre’s approval. “Of the total Rs 140 crore for Northeast, we still have Rs 110 crore unspent. Therefore, states of the region need to accelerate development of Mega Food Parks and Mini Food Parks as envisaged and proposed,” Teli informed. He also urged the entrepreneurs and progressive farmers present to take full advantage of the workshop and equip themselves with the prospects and benefits under PMKSY. Chief Minister Pema Khandu who was present on the occasion informed that all decks have been cleared for establishment of a Mega Food Park near state capital and all basic facilities like water and power supply will be provided by GoAP. Underscoring the state’s potential in agri-horti produces like kiwi, orange, apple, pineapple, banana, tea, etc, Khandu said if food processing is taken up extensively, it could change the economy of the farming community. He cited lack of market knowledge as a big hindrance in the take-off of the farming sector and called for enhancing farmers’ knowledge on latest market trends and demands. He further informed that state government has already prepared a road map to boost agri-horti sector based on which schemes are being formulated and launched phase-wise. “We have set a target to benefit at least 90000 farmers in the state by 2022,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and state’s Industry Minister Tumke Bagra also spoke on the occasion, both of whom admitted the need for creating awareness about food processing sector and special central assistance available in grant of funds in this regard.

PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, which is a central flagship programme is a comprehensive package which aims in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. Under PMKSY seven schemes are being implemented viz. Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Creation/Expansion of Food Processing/ Preservation Capacities, Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure and Human Resources & Institutions. It is expected to leverage an investment of Rs. 31,400 crore for handling of 334 lakh MT agro-produce valued at Rs. 1,04,125 crore, benefiting 20 lakh farmers and generating 5,30,500 direct/indirect employment in the country by 2019-20.
The workshop was organized by NE Chapter of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Ministry of Food Processing Industry, facilitated by the state’s Department of Industry.
Meanwhile, the Union Minister also called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) today here at Raj Bhavan, where Chief Minister and State Industries Minister Er. Tumke Bagra were also present.
Governor requested the MoS to assist Arunachal in setting up food processing units which is a leading state in production of organic produce in the country. Apprising the Minister about the inherent difficulties faced by the state due to mountainous terrain which often creates obstacles in timely transportation of agri-horti produces, Governor suggested setting up of small and medium food processing industries in different locations where there are surplus agri-horti production. He also requested the Union Minister for arranging apprenticeship training programmes on food processing for the youth and progressive farmers of the state in renowned industries for encouraging entrepreneurship and self-employment. CMO, PRO Raj Bhavan

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List