India to be the largest processor of food: Harsimrat Kaur Badal
India to be the largest processor of food: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

The government of India is targeting at graduating India from being the largest producer of food to processor of food, said Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Food Processing Minister at The food conclave organised by CII.

“The government has recently allocated remaining 17 food parks out of the total sanctioned 42 Mega Food Parks, 30 cold chains and setting aside special funds to finance new ventures,” shared Badal.

The minister also highlighted the critical role played by food processing sector in uplifting the state of the farmers who form the backbone of the country, ensure employment to the youngest population in the world, and reducing wastage.

She pointed out that much of the wastage in India takes place at the farming, harvesting and storage levels unlike in the West where it takes place on the plate.

And to realize this vision, she urged the industry to come forward with inputs, collaborate with foreign players and partner with the government.

Adding to the same lines, Rajesh Srivastava, Chairman, Regional Committee on Agriculture, Food and Water, CII Northern Region and Chairman and Managing Director, Rabo Equity Advisors said, “The need for stepping up allocation to the food processing sector given that it is labour intensive and ahead of several other sector in value of output.”

Srivastava also put forth the idea of setting up a Food Processing Bank in India that will have the right skill set to evaluate food processing proposals and improve availability of finance.

 
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