Fruit processing is not a mere business but a welfare measure to improve the well being of the people in both rural and urban areas. It is the most effective way of achieving many of our national goals. GOI Initiatives EXIM Policy During eight plan period, development of fruit processing got a major fillip with an allotted outlay of 1000 crore. While in the ninth plan, the allocation went upto 3000 crore and new EXIM policy was announced for free export and import of fruit based products which was an unavailable step as our country only could not afford to remain isolated. Horticulture Development Plan As a technology mission, a comprehensive horticulture development plan was implemented for the north eastern states in which emphasis was mainly on low volume but high value fruit crops. Also model marketing systems were implemented for fruits vegetables as well as there processed products starting with metropolitan cities and then extending to other cities. An outlay of 38 crores was given for setting up infrastructure facilities including cold chain facilities for the food processing sector. An efficient refrigerated distribution system was also decided to be accorded. The entire fruit processing sector has been deregulated and no licence is required except in the case of alcoholic beverages. Automatic approval for foreign investment up to 100% equity in food processing industries is available except in few cases. Export oriented units (EOUs) 100% Export Oriented Units are permitted to import raw material and capital goods free of duty. State governments have also announced liberal fiscal benefits for food processing industries. Working closely in tandem with State Governments, GOI is providing conceptional finance for setting up of food processing units based on horticultural produce. Department is also extending financial assistance for research and development and human resource development. Financial assistance is also available from National Horticulture Board for cold storage and post harvest management, from NCDC for cold storage and from APEDA for exports related activities of food processing. Food Parks A scheme for setting up of food processing industrial estates/Food Parks having basis on locating activities of food processing in one location to create cost and infrastructure efficiencies for the business involved and improve the viability and profitability of the units. It can be option where food processing in India can look for their long-term advantage. The processing a variety of products includes fruits and vegetables. An assistance upto RS 4 crores is available for the common facilities created in the Food Park, two such parks are financed in Andhra Pradesh by the Central Government. A number of projects are working in the States in the areas of fruit and vegetable processing, cold chain, coconut processing with the total assistance of Rs. 5.38 crores. 55 industrial entrepreneurial memorandum envisaging employment to 6054 persons have been implemented. Foreign collaboration/Industrial Licensees envisaging employment generation to 7074 person have also been implemented. National Food Processing Policy The policy would address all issues connected with food processing industry starting from production for raw material to marketing. Food Processing Industries Development Act The Act is going to be implemented by GOI to address various concerns of this sector and to provide single window clearance. The mango processing units is one of the priority areas GOI and it coordinates the sourcing of funds. |
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