Indian Economy News

Government to establish 250 agro-processing clusters all over India

New Delhi: The Government of India is looking to set up 250 small agro-processing clusters across the country, at an estimated cost of over Rs 5,000 crore (US$ 743.5 million), as told by Ms Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing. The Food Processing Ministry plans to invite both public and private players in the project after getting the required approvals. The blue print shows that small agro-processing clusters will be established near producing area of any specific fruit or vegetable. The government will also provide subsidy of up to Rs 5 crore (US$ 743,533) per cluster to those who establish small processing cluster near any specific fruit or vegetable anywhere across the country. This will enable to take the food processing at doorstep of the farmers, which will help to raise their income and at the same time reduce wastages and control rise in prices. The Minister further stated that over 3.2 million tonnes of food processing capacity has been established in last two years, which is helping farmers to realise better income for their produce and helps in keeping the prices of perishable goods under check. Government has also sanctioned 37 Mega Food Parks, out of which eight have been operationalised, and 134 cold chain projects, out of which 81 have been completed till date.

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