It will be seeking the Cabinet's approval to encourage more investors in the sector. In the last two years, 10 mega food parks have been set up. Five have been proposed in the current year's Budget.
Indicating this at an interaction with the members of the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCIC) here on Wednesday, Ajit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said the concept of mega food parks entailed a fully integrated facility based investment from the farmgate, processing, and cold chain to marketing.
Mr Kumar said unlike three years ago, the government now was keen on promoting food parks more vigorously as the industry had shown greater interest in implementing their proposals. Food parks enjoyed Central assistance for capital subsidy and other facilities.
Mr. Ajit Kumar said that as part of providing a comprehensive linkage to the food processing sector, his Ministry would be setting up two National Institutes of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Gurgaon and Kundli in Haryana.
NIFTEM which will provide core courses in the area of Food Science and Food Technology catering to the needs of various stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, industry, exporters, policy makers, the government and existing institutions.
