By IANS,
Mumbai : The Indian government has approved funds for establishing 15 mega food parks across the country, an official said Monday.
Speaking at the two-day Food Forum 2011, Food Processing Secretary Ashok Sinha said: “We are setting up 15 mega food parks initially out of the 30 planned during the 11th Plan. These parks will provide state of art infrastructure for food processing sector.”
“The central government has already approved Rs 50 crore worth grant for each park,” he added.
Sinha also expressed his concern over the severe food crisis the whole world is reeling under and the loss of produce due to lack of storage.
“India loses a significant quantity of her harvested produce worth approximately Rs.30,000 crore annually. This staggering loss is severely affecting India’s agri-business as well as agro-economy,” he said.
“It is essential, therefore, to build sustainable supply chains, which will link the farmer to the processing and marketing centers. The development of an integrated system of post harvest technology and cold chain management is inevitable,” he added.
Atul Singh, chairman Food Forum India, in his welcome address, highlighted the tremendous growth opportunities in the food industry because of expansion of the middle class and the youth population.
“India is a large economy and with the change in consumer preferences, there will be a huge demand for packaged food and beverages. Thus, innovation in the food sector needs to continue,” he said.