INDIA: Industrial units processing fruits and vegetables

11 Jan 2010

As per the data maintained by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 5166 fruits and vegetables processing units were licensed under Fruit Products Order (FPO),1955 in the country as on 01.01.2009.

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) has received some proposals from areas like Kamrup, Karimganj District of Assam for financial assistance for setting up of fruit and vegetable processing units during 11th Plan. The data on functioning of food processing industries / units in the country, including that in the State of Assam is not centrally maintained by MFPI. MFPI has no specific scheme/policy for revival of sick fruit and vegetable processing units. However, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) has been implementing various schemes for promotion and development of food processing industries in the country. MFPI through its various schemes for financial assistance and other promotional measures, facilitates creation of food related infrastructure including processing facilities aimed at reducing wastages, enhancing value addition and increasing shelf life. The Scheme for Technology Upgradation/Establishment/ Modernisation of Food Processing Industries is aimed at creation of new processing capacity and up-gradation of existing processing capabilities, modernization of Fruit & Vegetables units.

Under the Scheme for Technology Upgradation/ Modernization/ Establishment of Food Processing Industries:

MFPI extends financial assistance to food processing industries including fruit and vegetable processing units in the form of grant-in-aid @ 25% of the cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50.00 lakh in general area or 33.33% subject to maximum of Rs. 75.00 lakh in difficult areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,

Sikkim

and North Eastern States, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep and ITDP areas. In addition, under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern and Himalayan States, higher levels of assistance @ 50% upto maximum of Rs. 4.00 crore for setting up and Rs. 1.00 crore for Upgradation of fruit and vegetables processing is available. A National Horticulture Mission (NHM) has been launched with an objective to boost the horticulture sector.