< Previous | Contents | Next >
Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation
The Scheme for Cold Chain, Value Addition, and Preservation Infrastructure was approved in 2008 with an objective to provide integrated and complete cold chain, value addition and preservation infrastructure facilities without any break, for perishables from the farm gate to the consumer. The assistance
under the scheme includes financial assistance (grant-in-aid) of 50 per cent of the total cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works in general areas and 75 per cent for the North Eastern region and difficult areas (subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 crore).
The Ministry has approved 10 projects in first phase which are at various stages of progress. Two projects have been completed. A proposal for up- scaling the scheme is under consideration.
Under the Scheme for Technology Upgradation, Establishment, Modernisation of FPIs, financial assistance is provided in the form of ‘grants- in-aid’ for the setting up of new food processing units as well as technological upgradation and expansion of existing units in the country. The GoI extends financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid to entrepreneurs at 25 per cent of the cost of Plant & Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs in general areas or 33.33 per cent subject to a maximum of Rs. 75 lakhs in difficult terrains. The Scheme has now been transferred to the states with the launching of the National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) in the 12th Plan.
Quality Assurance, Codex Standards, R & D and Promotional Activities
In the global market today, quality and food safety gives a competitive edge which is an important factor for the enterprises producing processed foods and providing services. Apart from domestic standards for food products, processes and management practices, Codex prescribes international standards for safety and quality of food as well as codes of good manufacturing practices, which are accepted worldwide. Further, equal emphasis is required to be accorded to R&D activities for the development of innovative products, cost effective processes and efficient technologies for the food processing sector. The scheme for Food Safety Codex and R&D has
been successful in making a dent in this area in the country.
The human resource development is very critical for sustained growth in the sector. Extensive training and entrepreneurship development is given top priority:
(i) Creation of infrastructural facilities for running degree/diploma courses in food processing
(ii) Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDP)
(iii) Setting up of Food Processing Training Centres (FPTC)
(iv) Training at recognised national/state-level institutes, etc., sponsored by MoFPI or other training programme
Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT)
Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) formerly known as Paddy Processing Research Centre (PPRC), Thanjavur is an autonomous organisation under the administrative control of MoFPI. It has been in existence for the last three decades. As other commodities such as millets, pulses and oil seeds are gaining importance, it was decided in 2001 to expand the mandate of this Institute to include the above commodities also. The institute is being upgraded into a national level institute now.
National Meat and Poultry Processing Board (NMPPB)
The GoI established the National Meat and Poultry Processing Board 2009. The Board is an autonomous body and was initially funded by the GoI for 2 years and is be managed by the industry itself. This industry-driven institution has been launched to work as a National Hub for addressing all key issues related to the meat and poultry processing sector for its systematic and proper development. The Board serves as a single window service provider for producers, manufacturers and exporters of meat and meat
products, for promoting the meat industry as a whole.
The GoI, in 2009, gave its approval for the establishment of the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) at Pune, Maharashtra which is close to the principal grape growing and processing areas in the country. The functions and objectives of the IGPB are:
(i) To focus on R&D, extension, quality upgradation, market research, information, domestic and international promotion of Indian wine .
(ii) To foster sustainable development of Indian wine industry.
(iii) To formulate a vision and action plan for the growth of Indian wine sector including R&D for quality upgradation in new technologies.
During three years of its existence, the Board has focused on the promotion of Wines of India in the domestic as well as international market by participating in important and relevant exhibitions, fairs, consumer awareness and training programmes, undertaking advocacy work with the various state governments/central ministries on various issues related to taxes/levies and promotion aspects. The Board is going to implement a traceability programme “wine-net” for standards and quality in wine sector.
National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM)
For developing a vibrant food processing sector, India needs not only world- class food technologists to undertake R&D in frontier areas, develop new products, processes, technologies and machineries, set food standards and protocol testing, but also business leaders and managers well versed with the requisite mix of technologies, management and entrepreneurship who can exploit major opportunities in the expanding global food trade.
In the emerging global scenario, there is a need for setting up of an institution of global excellence, which could cater to the needs of the booming food processing sector, various stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, industry, exporters, policymakers, government and other research institutions.
NIFTEM was conceived by MoFPI to create an international Center of Excellence in the field of Food Sciences & Food Technology. NIFTEM will grow into an apex world class institute to promote cooperation and networking among existing institutions both within the country and various international bodies. The institute will offer high quality educational, research and management programme specific to the food industry, pr ovide referral advise on food standards, disseminate knowledge on the food sector and provide business incubation facility. It is situated (2006) at Kundli, Sonipat (Haryana).