Year Ender 2017 : Ministry of Food Processing Industries

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Food Processing Industries
27-December, 2017 16:34 IST
Year Ender 2017 : Ministry of Food Processing Industries


India hosts World Food India 2017 “the Kumbh Mela of Indian Food” – 61 Countries and Global CEOs participate along with 800 global & Domestic exhibitors, 75000 business visitors


PM launches Nivesh Bandhu – Investors’ Portal


India showcased as the preferred investment destination in Food Processing sector at WFI 2017; attracts investment intent of about USD 13.56 billion from Domestic and foreign investors


World Food India strengthens India’s position as a Global Food Factory


Global CEOs Hail India’s Structural Reforms and Improvement of India’s Ranking in Ease of Doing Business


Cabinet approves New Central Sector Scheme - "Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana"


Mega Food Parks operationalized; Among others Facilities such as Common Food Processing Incubation Center for Shallots launched in Tamil Nadu


Food and agro-based processing unit and cold chain infrastructure classified under agriculture activities for Priority Sector Lending


Service Tax on pre-conditioning, pre-coding, ripening, waxing, retail packaging and labelling of fruits and vegetables exempted in cold chain projects


Investment tracking and facilitation Desk of Invest India set up in the Ministry


Dairy Processing and Development Fund of Rs. 8000 core set up in NABARD


GST Facilitation Cell Established in the Ministry


Major strides were undertaken by Ministry of Food Processing Industries in 2017 under the leadership of Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Highlights of the major achievements are as follows;


● World Food India, 2017:

Ministry organised World Food India 2017 from November 3-5th in Delhi to showcase investment potential of India in the Food Processing Sector. The three day event inaugurated by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi exhibited opportunities in the Indian Food Processing Sector to foster maximum investment commitments. The event provided a platform for exhibiting innovative products and manufacturing processes showcasing the entire value chain of food processing industry with a vision to leverage innovation, technology, development & sustainability in the backdrop of achieving food security. 61 Countries and Global CEOs participated in the Fair along with 800 global & Domestic exhibitors from 27 States. The exhibition saw footfall from 75000 business visitors. Germany, Japan and Denmark were Partner Countries to World Food India whereas Italy & Netherlands were Focus Countries. The President of India at the Valedictory function of World Food India 2017 aptly termed it the “the Kumbh Mela of Indian Food”


● Investors Portal ‘Nivesh Bandhu’ Launched - At the inaugural of World Food India, PM launched Nivesh Bandhu – Investors’ Portal on the occasion. The unique portal is aimed at bringing together information on Central and State government policies and incentives provided for the food-processing sector. The portal maps resources upto the local level, with processing requirements. It is also a platform for business networking, for farmers, processors, traders, and logistics operators. Seven publications of Ministry of Food Processing Industries to help investors in Food Processing Sector in making informed decisions have been included in the portal. The portal also includes Food Map of India. The Food Map enables investor to take decision with regard to locating their projects as the food map showed mapping of the potential of food processing in surplus production areas. The Prime Minister also released a Coffee table book and commemorative stamp on Indian Cuisines.


● India showcased as the preferred investment destination - India was showcased as the preferred investment destination in Food Processing sector atWFI 2017; MoUs worth investment intent of USD 13.56 billion from Domestic and foreign investors were signed during WFI 2017. A special cell has been setup in Invest India to follow up on these negotiations. Ministry of Food Processing Industries is guided by the principles of - ensure steps to reduce wastage, produce more and process more. Farm to Fork is their mantra and Food Processing Industries aim to be the bridge between Farmers and Consumers.


World Food India helped strengthen India’s position as a Global Food Factory. Global CEOs participating in the event hailed India’s Structural Reforms and Improvement of India’s Ranking in Ease of Doing Business. Exclusive CEOs roundtables were organised with Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley. International Ministerial & business delegations with 200+ members from 15 countries took part in B2B/B2G meetings. The mega event hosted 8 sectoral conferences, 2 plenary sessions on “India the preferred destination” and on “One Nation, one food law- an enabling regulatory environment for investment in the food sector” in association with the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India.


A large exhibition spread over 40,000 sq mtrs in the verdant C- Hexagon lawns of India Gate was organised with more than 800 global & domestic companies. Special focus on Farmer Producer Organizations & Women Entrepreneurs connected them to corporates – international & Indian- increasing opportunities for sourcing & business. Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ Theme Pavilion provided an exciting view of India’s offering to the world in terms of products, a geo mapping of produce availability and mega food parks, through multiple technologies like Smart Shelves, OLED Screens, Twitter Wall, Virtual & Augmented reality, etc.


● Food Street - curated by celebrity Chef Shri Sanjeev Kapoor, Food Street was World Food India’s most attractive highlight. Food Street was set up as an experiential platform that brought together culinary practices, flavours, fragrances from the world's cuisines, and celebrated India's rich cultural heritage and diverse uniqueness of its produce to create contemporary renditions and fusion food. A Guinness book record was established during the event for Chefs preparing 918 kg of nutritious Khichdi noted as the ubiquitous comfort, wellness food. The Minister of Food Processing Industries Smt Badal also appealed to each individual to take a pledge – ‘NO WASTE ON MY PLATE’- to make India Food Secure.


● MoFPI’s International Participation - MoFPI showcased India’s strength in Food Processing Industries by participating in international food exhibitions such as Salon International de l’ALimentation (SIAL) in France and as a partner country in Allgemeine Nahrungs Und Genußmittel Ausstellung (ANUGA) in Germany.


It was also an honour for India to be a partner country for the international event ANUGA held at Cologne, Germany in October 2017. Buoyed with the idea of Food diplomacy to bridge differences and to transform the lives of farmers, Smt Badal reiterated that Development of Food Processing Industries will help in achieving the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Upgrading our farming techniques and investments not only in Food Processing but also in Farming technologies, need to learn from the West on how to control wastage at harvest and transportation level were the guiding aims in participating at the international events.


● Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

On 23rd August 2017 the Schemes of the Ministry were restructured and new schemes were approved by Cabinet and launched as Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. The SAMPADA Scheme aims to target creation of Infrastructure and increasing capacities of processing and preservation in entire supply chain of food processing sector right from farm gate to retail outlets. The New Scheme will help in integrating food processing units and food trade with the farmers creating huge opportunities for employment of increasing income of the farmers. PMKSY is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry like Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, etc. and also new schemes like Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities.


● Other Significant Administrative decisions

○ Food and agro-based processing unit and cold chain infrastructure have been classified under agriculture activities for Priority Sector Lending. Availability of additional credit for food processing activities and infrastructure.


○ Service Tax on pre-conditioning, pre-coding, ripening, waxing, retail packaging and labelling of fruits and vegetables exempted in cold chain projects. This is a big relief in terms of tax exemption to the cold chain operators as this facility was only available to the farmers at farm gate but not to the cold chain operators. This enhanced the viability of cold chain projects, encouraging more investment in the sector.


○ To enhance the transparency and reduce human interface on-line software has been developed and put in use for filing of claims for the infrastructure development projects. This has also being expanded to other schemes.


○ Investment tracking and facilitation Desk of Invest India has been set up in the Ministry. The desk will identify new potential investors and approach them in a focussed and structured manner for investment and follow-up the investment cases by providing hand holding services. The desk will also assist Ministry in organising roadshows both in India and abroad and organising investment meets.


○ A Dairy Processing and Development Fund of Rs. 8000 core set up in NABARD. The Fund is used to modernize old and obsolete milk processing units particularly in cooperative sector and will result in enhancing milk processing capacity thereby adding more value to the produce of the farmers and increasing their income


○ Common Food Processing Incubation Center for Shallots inaugurated in Perambalur


● Additional fiscal concessions:

○ Provisions in Budget 2016-17

● Reduction in Excise Duty on Refrigerated Containers from 12.5% to 6%.

● Reduction in Basic Custom Duty on Refrigerated Containers from 10% to 5%.

● 5% Basic Customs Duty as presently available under project imports for cold storage, cold room also extended for Cold Chain including pre-cooling unit, pack house, sorting and grading lines and ripening chambers.

● Excise Duty on Machinery reduced from 10% to 6%.


○ Mega Food Parks: Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the food processing industry so that agriculture sector grows exponentially and become a major contributor to doubling the farmer’s income and aid ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government. To give a major boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with particular focus on perishables, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country. Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based approach. Common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre and facilities for primary processing and storage is created near the farm in the form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs).Under the Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50 Crore per Mega Food Park project.

During the year, the following Mega Food Parks were operationalized / inaugurated

1. Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, Haridwar (Uttarakhand);

2. The Indus Mega Food Park, Khargone (Madhya Pradesh);

3. Jharkhand Mega Food Park Ranchi (Jharkhand),

4. Jangipur Bengal Mega Food Park, Murshidabad(West Bengal)

5. Srini Food Park, Chittoor, (Andhra Pradesh);

6. North East Mega Food Park, Nalbari, (Assam);

7. International Mega Food Park, Fazilka, (Punjab);

8. Integrated Food Park,Tumkur, (Karnataka);

9. MITS Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd, Rayagada, (Odisha)


● Foundation Stone for the following Mega Food Parks laid

1. Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Mega Food Park Project, Ludhiana

2. Mega Food Park developed by KINFRA at Palakkad in Kerala

3. Mega Food Park developed by KSIDC at Alappuzha in Kerala

4. Maize Based Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab


● A Mega Food Park is likely to benefit about 25000 farmers apart from creating employment for 5000 persons, especially in rural areas.

● The Mega Food Park projects at Satara (Maharashtra), Ajmer (Rajasthan), and Agartala (Tripura) are at advanced stage for operationalisation by the end of current financial year.

● NABARD has sanctioned term loan of Rs. 427.69 Crore to 10 Mega Food Park projects and 2 processing units under ‘Food Processing Fund’ of Rs. 2000 Crore and out of this an amount of Rs. 81.10 Crore has been disbursed.The Ministry has notified 157 designated food parks in different States for the purpose of availing affordable credit from special fund with NABARD.


● Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure:

a. 16 projects have been operationalised in 2017. With these operationalisation, Ministry has created an additional capacity of 2.44 lakh metric tonnes of cold storage, 72.70 metric tonnes per hour of individual Quick Freezing (IQF), 34.55 lakh litres per day of Milk of processing/ storage and 472 reefer vans during 2014 - 2017.

b. During last three and half years, 74 Integrated Cold Chain projects have been made operational taking the total number of Cold Chain projects to 111. The Ministry has so far assisted 232 Cold Chain projects (including completed and ongoing projects) having a capacity of 7.38 lakh metric tonnes of cold storage, 210.75 metric tonnes per hour of individual Quick Freezing (IQF), 106.99 lakh litres per day of Milk processing/ storage and 1371 reefer vans.

c. The guidelines of Scheme have been revised on the basis of feedback and experience of this Ministry to make them investor friendly.

d. On an average, each cold chain project benefits to around 500 farmers in fruits and vegetables sector and around 5000 farmers in dairy sector and creates employment for 100 persons.


Year

2014 (May - Dec)
2015
2016
2017 (till Dec)

Total

Number of Cold Chain Projects Completed
13
21
24
16
74

Total Capacity of Cold Storage/ CA/MA Storage/ Deep Freezer (Lakh MT)
0.39
0.66
0.576
0.811
2.44

Individual Quick Freezing (metric tonne/hr)
32.20
16.25
13.25
11
72.70

Milk Storage/ Processing (Lakh Litre Per Day)
5.50
10.00
16.05
3.00
34.55

Reefer Vehicles (Nos)
82
98
196
96
472


● Under the Scheme of Setting up/ Modernization of Abattoirs, one project at Panaji (Goa) has been operationalised.

● 10 Food Testing Labs have been completed.


● On 31 August 2017, a Common Food Processing Incubation Center for Shallots launched at Perambalur in collaboration with Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT). Farmers in Perambalur District are producing 70000 tons of shallots per year in a cultivation area of 8000 hectares, in spite of the increasing difficulty in cultivation due to increase in prices of inputs, unpredictable weather, disease outbreak and not getting adequate prices in the market. Thus the Central Processing Center for Shallots in Perambalur was started to ensure that no shallots are getting wasted, increase farmers' income and also ensure availability of shallots to consumers.


● GST Facilitation Cell The Ministry of Food Processing Industries established a four member GST Facilitation Cell at its office to guide the industry about the new tax regime. The ministry created the GST cell for the purpose of implementation and facilitating the rollout of GST with immediate effect. The GST facilitation cell provides all possible support for the rollout of the levy to the major industry and business associations related to MoFPI. This cell serves as the first point of contact to address any issue being faced by any sector related to the ministry. The GST cell will be equipped with the complete knowledge of the relevant GST Act, rules, rate structure etc. The members of the GST Facilitation Cell can be accessed through Toll Free No 1800111175 or on #AskonGSTFPI. Further details can be accessed from http://www.mofpi.nic.in


● To aid MoFPI’s objectives, FSSAI simplified product approval:

1. Approved a large number of new Additives harmonized with the International Codex Standards.

2. Notified an amendment to the regulations as a result of which non-standardized food products called proprietary foods (except novel food and nutraceuticals) that use ingredients and additives approved in the regulations will no longer require product approval. This has provided considerable relief to the industry.


● The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli, Sonepat, Haryana and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu are being developed by the Government as the Centres of Excellence. The pass-outs of these institutes have got 100% placements.


● FSSAI, the apex Regulatory body for Food Safety in India announced a powerful new tool called ‘the Food Regulatory Portal.’ Planned as a single interface for food businesses to cater to both domestic operations and food imports, this portal would be a game changer for effective and transparent implementation of the food safety laws in the country. Aiming to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate, the portal is strategically aligned with Government’s mission of One Nation, One Food Law.


● National Food Processing Policy.

Approach Paper on the National Food Processing Policy has been uploaded on MoFPI website and suggestions are invited from all stakeholders and general public. National Food Processing Policy shall focus on building India’s NATIONAL FOOD GRID and NATIONAL COLD CHAIN GRID and create Retail Markets every nook and corner of the country.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Food Processing Industries
27-December, 2017 16:14 IST
From Farm Gate to Market to Arrest Post-Harvest Losses

It has been the endeavor of the Government to promote food processing industry in the country to reduce wastage of agricultural produce and minimize post- harvest losses. The objective of Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is to provide integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure facilities from the farm gate to the market in order to arrest post-harvest losses of horticulture & non-horticulture produce. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided in the form of grant-in-aid of maximum Rs10 crore per project for setting up of integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure facilities. The Integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure can be set up by individuals, groups of entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc. The scheme is primarily private sector driven and proposals under this scheme are invited through Expression of Interest (EOI).

In addition, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare also is implementing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for holistic development of Horticulture which provides assistance for creation of post harvest management infrastructure including setting up of staging cold room and cold storage for perishable horticulture produce in rural areas. This infrastructure can use alternate technology such as solar PV panels or solar thermal system and phase change material for saving energy under add on technology component of MIDH. The unit cost of staging cold room is Rs.15.00 Iakh/unit of 30 MT capacity and cold storage can be setup with unit cost of Rs. 8000 - 10000/MT. The unit cost of alternate technology is Rs. 35.00 lakh/project.

The component is demand/ entrepreneur-driven from among entrepreneurs, private companies, cooperatives, farmers groups etc through commercial ventures for which assistance @ 35% of admissible project cost in general areas and @ 50% in hilly and schedule area is available as credit linked and back ended subsidy.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Food Processing Industries
29-December, 2017 17:36 IST
Potential of FPIS to enhance farm productivity

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has launched a new Central Sector Scheme PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA (PMKSY) with an allocation of Rs.6000 crore for the period of 2016-20 co-terminus with 14th Finance Commission cycle. PMKSY is an umbrella scheme for overall development of food processing sector which includes development of food processing units. The scheme encompasses three new schemes viz. (i) Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters; (ii) Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages; and (iii) Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities and four on-going schemes viz. (i) Mega Food Parks; (ii) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure; (iii) Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure; and (iv) Human Resources and Institutions. The aforementioned schemes are implemented mainly by private sector & demand driven and provide flexibility to the promoters to choose the components, their capacities and location of the project as per techno economic feasibility conducted by them and ensuring the viability of the project vis-à-vis availability of adequate infrastructure and smooth backward and forward integration.

The major objectives of PMKSY are to create robust modern infrastructure along the entire food processing value chain, reduce wastage of agricultural produce and increase food processing/value addition which would, inter alia, increase the income of the farmers and encourage them to adopt better farming methods/practices to increase farm productivity.

This information was given by Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.



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Ministry of Food Processing Industries
29-December, 2017 17:32 IST
Investments in Food Processing Sector

The World Food India 2017 event has attracted investment intent of about USD 13.56 billion from domestic and foreign investors. This will have multiple ripple effect as the sector witnessed great interest from investors across the globe during the course of the event.

These investment intents while leading to setting up of food processing infrastructure, value chain, manufacturing facilities, etc. will, inter-alia, act as a catalyst to boost agri income and employment in the Food Processing sector.

This information was given by Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Food Processing Industries
02-January, 2018 14:51 IST


Training in Food Processing Technology

Two academic cum research Institutes under administrative control of Ministry of Food Processing Industries namely; National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli, Haryana and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu are imparting education and conducting research in food technology to improve manpower in food processing industry and to develop indigenous technologies for food processing in the country.

NIFTEM was set up to promote cooperation and networking among existing Institutions both within the country and International bodies and bring in International best practices for improving food processing sector, provide industry-friendly short term courses including regular degrees and management courses with equal and complementary emphasis on research and education. NIFTEM is intended to be a centre for integrated research, education, enterprise incubation and outreach in the areas of food sciences and technology. The Institute is conducting following regular Undergraduate (UG) & Postgraduate (PG) degree courses since 2012-13 to meet the manpower requirement of Food Processing Industries:

(1) B.Tech (Food Technology Management).

(2) M.Tech in Five streams:-

(a) Food Process Engineering and Management,

(b) Food Safety and Quality Management,

(c) Food Technology and Management,

(d) Food Supply Chain Management,

(e) Food Plant Operations Management.

Besides, the Institute has commenced Ph.D. programme from 2013-14 in five PG Departments. It has also started MBA programme in dual specializations (I) Compulsory: Food & Agri Business Management, (II) Optional: One of Marketing/ Finance/ International Business in academic year 2016-17.

IIFPT offers academic programmes in Food Process Engineering and Food Science and Technology to 60 Undergraduates (UG) & 30 Postgraduates (PG). Besides, it offers doctorate degree (Ph. D) programme to 20 scholars annually. Its curriculum is designed in such a way that during final year, students are mainly focusing on the training and development of the indigenous technologies for food processing in the country. In addition, IIFPT also offers various training programmes, internship programmes and trainings to farmers, entrepreneurs and youths under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikash Yojana (PMKVY) for skill development.

This information was given by the Minister of Food Processing Industries Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.



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Ministry of Food Processing Industries
02-January, 2018 14:53 IST
Efforts to deal with fragmented supply chain in the food processing sector and scheme for skill development in food processing sector


Twenty one States have adopted contract farming provision in their Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act and Government of Punjab has legislated a separate Contract Farming Act, 2013, which helps contract sponsors including food processing industry to enter into contract agreement with farmers for agriculture produce. In order to assist the States in liberalizing the agriculture market, to provide better access to farmers for marketing of their produce, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare had provided a model Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act, 2003 for adoption by States as agriculture marketing is a state subject. Model APMC Act, 2003 provides for contract farming provision.


Under Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA (PMKSY), the Ministry has launched a new sub-scheme i.e. Scheme for Human Resources and Institution – Skill Development (SHRISD) for assisting skilling infrastructure and Development of Course Curriculum with a budget outlay of Rs.27.50 Crore from 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The Scheme has Following two Components:-


1. Development of Course Curriculum / Training Module in English, Hindi and translation of the same in recognized regional languages based on the Qualification Packs (QPs) validated by National Skill Development Corporation( (NSDC) as National Occupational Standards.


Grants-In-Aid is provided to the eligible Institutions upto a maximum of Rs.5.00 lakh per QP for development of training module both in print and Multi media for each job role and, up to a maximum of Rs. 0.50 lakh per QP is provided for the translation of already developed training modules in recognized regional languages as per 8th schedule.


2. Establishing Training Centre (TC) / Expansion of Existing Training Centre to impart skill/ training on various job roles in food processing as per National Skill Qualification Frame work (NSQF).

Grants-In-Aid is provided at the rate of 50% of cost of plant & machineries required for a National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) validated training module subject to maximum of Rs. 15 lakh per training module and limited to maximum two training modules per Training centre(TC).


Following Institutions / organizations are eligible to apply under the scheme-


i. Recognized Central / state / Deemed Universities or its Department of Food Processing Technology.

ii. Colleges / Institutions of Food Technology, affiliated with central / state Govt. Universities.

iii. Govt. approved Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs),

iv. NABL accredited Food Labs,

i. Training Centers affiliated to or accredited with Food Industry Capacity Skill Initiative (FICSI), National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) or State Skill Councils.


Ministry has finalized detailed Guidelines for the Scheme and has invited proposals from eligible and interested Institutions / organizations.


This information was shared by the Minister of Food Processing Industries Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Food Processing Industries
02-January, 2018 14:35 IST
FDI equity inflow of US$6492.19 million in the food processing sector during 2010-11 to 2016-17


According to Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, there has been FDI equity inflow of US$6492.19 million in the food processing sector during 2010-11 to 2016-17. 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Food Processing Industries is allowed through automatic route subject to applicable laws/sectoral rules/ regulations/ security conditions.As per the latest Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) conducted by Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in 2014-15, the total invested capital by the registered food processing units was at Rs.368,43,371 lakhs. The state-wise invested capital in the food processing industries by 2014-15 as per the survey is at Annexure.


As per the surveys under Annual Survey of Industries conducted by Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the number of registered food processing units has increased from 35,838 in 2010-11 to 38,603 in 2014-15.


Annexure


State-wise Invested Capital in Registered Food Processing Units by 2014-15


Sr. No.

State

Invested Capital (Rs. Lakh)

1
A & N Islands
733

2
Andhra Pradesh
2303736

3
Arunachal Pradesh
6822

4
Assam
802132

5
Bihar
688407

6
Chandigarh
7251

7
Chhattisgarh
355497

8
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
2337

9
Daman & Diu
33297

10
Delhi
651151

11
Goa
152223

12
Gujarat
2568716

13
Haryana
2054238

14
Himachal Pradesh
296996

15
Jammu and Kashmir
112583

16
Jharkhand
124541

17
Karnataka
3227013

18
Kerala
703629

19
Madhya Pradesh
1218209

20
Maharashtra
6749766

21
Manipur
5537

22
Meghalaya
44828

23
Nagaland
1938

24
Odisha
333689

25
Puducherry
70505

26
Punjab
2298109

27
Rajasthan
953902

28
Sikkim
18285

29
Tamil Nadu
2809159

30
Telangana
1008565

31
Tripura
20030

32
Uttar Pradesh
5119369

33
Uttarakhand
506498

34
West Bengal
1593680

Total
368,43,371


Source: Annual Survey of Industries, Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation


This information was shared by the Minister of Food Processing Industries Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
02-January, 2018 13:21 IST
Making Warning Labels on fast food compulsory

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed that Fast Food has not been separately defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations made thereunder. However, to address the issue of High Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) in food and associated health risks, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) constituted an Expert Group. The Report of the Expert Group, with its gist, has been uploaded on FSSAI website i.e. www.fssai.gov.in for the information of general public. Further, to help consumers make an informed choice, FSSAI has decided to revise its labelling regulations to include mandatory declaration of total fat, added sugar, salt, trans fat and energy per serving along with its contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) on front of pack label.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.


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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
5 -January, 2018 04:27IST

Testing of Food Items

For the purposes of food safety, production and testing of food products is regulated under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and Regulations made thereunder. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had undertaken a baseline survey of 72 State/Public Food Laboratories in 2013-14. During the survey, it was found that 62 state food testing laboratories were functional and that there was shortage of testing facilities in the majority of state food testing labs across the country. Further, the gap study indicated that in the state food testing laboratories, there is an urgent need to upgrade these laboratories both in terms of testing infrastructure, availability of trained scientific and technical manpower for food testing and putting in place a more reliable laboratory management and operating procedure. Accordingly, FSSAI has rolled out a Central Sector Scheme for ‘Strengthening of Food Testing System in the Country including Provision of Mobile Food Testing Labs’ (SOFTeL) with a total outlay of Rs. 481.95 Crore to be implemented during 2016-17 to 2018-19. The Scheme comprises , inter alia, of the following components:

1. Strengthening of about 45 state food testing laboratories;
2. Strengthening of about 12 referral food testing laboratories;
3. Establishment of about 62 mobile food testing labs;
4. Capacity Building of food testing laboratories personnel.

Under the said Scheme, grant is being provided to the State/Union Territory Governments and referral laboratories towards procurement of high–end equipments. So far, 23 state food testing laboratories from 22 States/UTs and 5 referral laboratories have been assisted. Similarly, 19 mobile food testing laboratories (now called Food Safety on Wheels) have been provided to 17 States/UTs for training, testing and surveillance. FSSAI has also conducted 25 training programmes in association with Government institutions, International bodies and Private Laboratories for lab personnel. Further, FSSAI has notified 142 mostly Private NABL accredited laboratories across India for purposes of primary testing to strengthen the food testing infrastructure.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the LokSabha here today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
9 -January, 2018 17:06 IST

Shri J P Nadda presides over the ‘First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition’

Urges States for strengthening food testing laboratories

“Central Government is providing support to the tune of Rs. 482 crore for the States. As many as 45 State labs are to be strengthened. I request the States to come forward with the proposals or give us the plan for strengthening the laboratories.”This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare as he presided over the ‘First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition’ organized by FSSAI, here today. Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS (Health) along with the Health Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Puducherry, Jharkhand and Delhi were also present at the roundtable.

Shri J P Nadda further stated that finance will not be a constraint and each State should have at least one government food laboratory of high quality with bigger States having at least two. Citing the example of Pradhan Mantri Dialysis Program, the Health Minister said that initially states expressed some apprehensions about this initiative however today the programme is a huge success. “More than 1.76 lakhs patients have availed free services from 539 Dialysis Units across the country, Shri J P Nadda added.

Speaking on the enforcement of food standards, Shri Nadda said that there should be fairness and transparency in enforcement. “We must safeguard public health by ensuring all food businesses are licensed and follow standards. At the same time, we should be careful that it does not put unnecessary regulatory burden on the food businesses”, Shri Nadda said. Emphasizing on generating awareness, Shri Nadda said that sensitization is a major area to work for and FSSAI can provide support in this so that people opt for self-regulation.

Shri J P Nadda further mentioned that the focus should shift from disease and treatment centred healthcare to preventive and promotive healthcare. Moving towards this, the Government has announced transforming 1.5 lakh sub health centres to ‘Health and Wellness’ centres. Shri Nadda further stated that in a step towards provision of comprehensive primary care, the Government has initiated universal screening of common NCDssuch as diabetes, hypertension and common cancers at the sub-centre and Primary Health Centre.“This will enable the strengthening of preventive and promotive health, improve patient referral and access to secondary care services, ShriNadda added.

Speaking at the function, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS (Health) stated that promoting and building the mechanisms for availability and consumption of Safe & Nutritious Food is central to attainment of the goals laid out in the National Health Policy 2017 which focuses on “promotive and preventive health care” and targets to reduce disease burden and premature mortality through Non-Communicable Disease like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases among others. He further said that carrying out IEC and outreach efforts to create awareness in people about safe food & nutrition at schools, workplace, etc is central to avoiding food borne disease related morbidity & mortality and consequent savings in healthcare.

Smt Preeti Sudan, Secretary (Health) assured support to the States through NHM. She further stated that we all aware of the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in our country. Promoting healthy dietary habits amongst citizens is a key step to address it. “We must work together to inspire greater public confidence about food and nudge people to eat safe and eat right so that we can a healthier nation”, she stated.

The Union Health Minister also released framework for ‘Clean Street Food Hubs’ and ‘Safe and Hygienic Food Festivals’. These two initiatives would help to build capacities of street food vendors and will go a long way to inspire citizens’ trust in unorganized street food vending. The Minister also released FSSAI’s ‘Healthy India Food Calendar’. First of its kind, this calendar covers India’s main festivals, the food associated with them and their nutritional benefits. FSSAI’s new look website with focus on its key stakeholders was also launched today.

During the round table, a team of researchers, who have carried out a rapid assessment of economic costs of food borne diseases in India, shared their findings. According to them, food borne diseases impose a huge economic burden on India. As per their estimates, this would amount to as much as 0.5 percent of India’s GDP or about 28 billion USD.

During the Round table, the State Health Ministers assured to work towards creating a culture of self-compliance amongst food businesses by helping them build internal capacities, focus on third party audit, making enforcement transparent, standardized, predictable and fair by adopting a digital compliance platform, encouraging rating and fair competition amongst food businesses. States agreed to strengthen the food safety machinery and the state food lab system in their respective States.

During the Round table, the State Health Ministers adopted a joint resolution with a seven-point charter. This includes – 1) supporting development of robust food standards and code of practices for safe food; 2) creating a positive regulatory environment; 3) establishing a credible and robust national food testing system; 4) addressing micronutrient deficiencies and promoting healthy dietary habits; 5) bringing about large-scale social and behavioral change in citizens on safe and nutritious food; 6) building a culture of self-compliance in food businesses; and 7) developing effective institutions and institutional arrangements backed with competent human resources and adequate financial resources.

Also present at the Roundtable were State Health Secretaries and Food Safety Commissioners from the States, Senior officials from Ministry of HRD, Health and Family Welfare and Women and Child Development, FSSAI, industry associations, World Bank, WHO and World Food Programme, and development partners such as Tata Trusts, GAIN and PATH participated.

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[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda releasing the framework for ‘Clean Street Food Hubs’ and ‘Safe and Hygienic Food Festivals’, at the “First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition”, organised by the FSSAI, in New Delhi on January 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Preeti Sudan and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda releasing the ‘Healthy India Food Calendar’, at the “First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition”, organised by the FSSAI, in New Delhi on January 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Preeti Sudan and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda launching the FSSAI’s new look website, at the “First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition”, organised by the FSSAI, in New Delhi on January 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Preeti Sudan and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda addressing the “First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition”, organised by the FSSAI, in New Delhi on January 09, 2018.

The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda addressing the “First Health Ministers Roundtable on Food Safety & Nutrition”, organised by the FSSAI, in New Delhi on January 09, 2018. The Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Preeti Sudan and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Posted at: Jan 15, 2018, 12:57 AM; last updated: Jan 15, 2018, 12:57 AM (IST)
Applications invited for plot allotment at Mega Food Park

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ha...-plot-allotment-at-mega-food-park/528650.html

Chandigarh: The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) has invited online applications for allotment of industrial plots on leasehold basis for food processing industry at Mega Food Park in Barhi of Sonepat district.

The last date for receipt of applications is January 31. An official spokesman said the tentative allotment rate was Rs 12,000 per sq m. He said the 54 plots offered for allotment included 27 plots of 1,800 sq m, 12 plots of 450 sq m, eight plots of 4,300 sq m, and one plot each of 3,500 sq m and 1,350 sq m. He said that the allotment of plots was being done as per Mega Food Park Scheme of Ministry of Food Processing Industries and procedures.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
02-February, 2018 16:33 IST

Protecting Consumers Post GST Implementation

On account off implementation of GST there may be instances where the retail sale price printed on a pre-packaged commodity is required to be revised. To protect the interests of consumers the Department has issued an order according to which, manufacturers/ packers/importers of pre-packaged commodities are allowed to declare the revised retail sale price (MRP), after implementation of GST by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing, as the case may be, on the unsold stock manufactured/packed/imported, if any, in addition to the existing retail sale price (MRP), upto 31st March, 2018. Use of un-exhausted packaging material/wrapper has also been similarly allowed upto 31st March, 2018 after making necessary corrections.


The said information has been disseminated to all the stakeholders and Controllers of Legal Metrology of all States/UTs for immediate action.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri C.R. Chaudhary today in Rajya Sabha.

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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
02-February, 2018 16:31 IST
Steps taken to prevent damage to foodgrains in FCI godowns

The following steps were taken by the Government to avoid the damage due to various reasons including

pests/rodents in storage of foodgrains:

1. All godowns are constructed on scientific lines to make them rodent proof by having proper height and damp proof by providing pucca floor plinth.
2. Foodgrains are stored by adopting proper scientific code of storage practices.
3. Adequate dunnage materials such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene sheets are used to check migration of moisture from the floor to the foodgrains.
4. Fumigation covers, nylon ropes, nets and insecticides for control of stored grain insect pests are provided in all the godowns.
5. Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation) are carried out regularly and timely in godowns for the control of stored grain insect pests.
6. Effective rat control measures, both in covered godowns as well as in CAP storage are used.
7. Foodgrains in ‘Cover and Plinth’ (CAP) storage are stored on elevated plinths and wooden crates are used as dunnage material. Stacks are properly covered with specifically fabricated low-density black polythene water -proof covers and tied with nylon ropes/nets.
8. Regular periodic inspections of the stocks/godowns are undertaken by qualified and trained staff and all senior officers. The health of the foodgrains is monitored at regular intervals by a system of checks and super checks at different levels. Following Checks and Super checks are conducted in the godowns by FCI to ensure proper preservation of foodgrains in the storage.

1. Fortnightly inspection of stocks on 100% basis by Technical Assistant
2. Monthly inspection by Manager (QC)
3. Quarterly inspection by AGM (QC)
4. Super Checks by Regional, Zonal and FCI Hqrs Squads.

1. The principle of “First in First Out” (FIFO) is followed to the extent possible so as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains in godowns.
2. Only covered rail wagons are used for movement of foodgrains so as to avoid damage during transit.
3. Damage Monitoring Cells have been set up at District, Regional and Zonal levels to regularly monitor quality of stocks and reduce damages.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri C.R. Chaudhary today in Rajya Sabha.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Food Processing Industries
25-May, 2018 16:45 IST
Food Processing Ministry to collaborate with international labs for wider acceptability of NIFTEM approved products.

Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurates Incubation Centre and Food Testing Laboratory at NIFTEM
Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said that the Ministry will collaborate with multiple international laboratories testing various food products so that the food products approved by laboratories at National Institute of Food Entrepreneurship and Management(NIFTEM) get worldwide acceptability. The Minister was speaking to the media at the inauguration ceremony of an Incubation centre and Food Testing Laboratory at NIFTEM in Sonipat, Haryana today. The following facilities were inaugurated today at NIFTEM

1. Pilot Plant for Ready-to-Eat and Traditional Food: It will help entrepreneurs to bring either new or improved product on the market by providing the necessary know-how for RTE and Traditional Food Technology. It has two main parts viz food preparation equipment cooked in continuous process and laminate packaging facility.

1. Pilot Plant for Milk and Dairy Product: The pilot plant is very well equipped with the new technologies, safety measures, utilities, skilled manpower, licenses require to process the food products. The same facilities may be use for a ‘Hands on Training’ to our students so that they may aware the existing processes and practices adopted by the large industries through production and demonstration on a small scale. These facilities may enhance the knowledge of stakeholders of milk production system for effective backward linkages.

1. Pilot Plant for Fruits and Vegetable processing: this pilot plant will provide state of the art facilities for storing fresh fruits and vegetables like CA and MA storage as well as refrigerated storage. Hands on training to start ups and exposure to students will be provided for tomato ketchup, puree, canning, spray drying, freeze drying, different types of packaging, IQF etc. Small and Medium Enterprises can also be use these facilities for their production

1. Pilot Plant for Meat and Poultry Processing: it will act as an incubation centre where budding entrepreneurs/start-ups or entrepreneurs can utilize facilities to tap the market while not having to invest in the costly equipment and machineries themselves.

1. NIFTEM Centre for Food Research and Analysis: the laboratory would not only serve as a Centre for certification of food products but would also serve as a centre for undertaking research and innovation for solving the problems of the food industry and the other stake holders of the food sector. The Center would work in unison with the regulators and the policy makers for providing them all support for developing standard test protocols for various parameters of quality essential for domestic and international market and would serve as the National Reference facility in the years to come.

In her address the Minister also said that NIFTEM should develop its own brand under which it could market the products developed at the institute. She said that the products would be cheaper, fresher and healthier that other products. She also said that the institute would become a centre for excellence.

Speaking on the importance of the institute the Minister expressed hope that farmer from nearby areas are able to learn processing and packaging at the institute. She also said that students from NIFTEM do not just learn theory but because of the industry partnerships, learn what the industry wants.

At the ceremony, Secretary of Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Sh Jagdish Prasad Meena said that the incubation centre will incubate entrepreneurs of tomorrow and will benefit the local farming community directly.

Senior officials of the Ministry and NIFTEM were also present during the inauguration ceremony.

Background:

NIFTEM is a national institute focusing on an integrated program on food technology and management education for developing a pool of professional managers with deeper understanding of the food and business to serve the processed food industry. NIFTEM also is spearheading the task of creating new entrepreneurs who are expected to venture into the processed food industry after identifying the opportunity areas. NIFTEM is attempting to create best facilities and provide innovative learning environment to provide one stop solution to all problems of the industry.

NIFTEM’s pilot plant will serve the product development activities and test pilot production for business incubation for new generation entrepreneurs from both large and SME sectors. The facilities will help evaluating new products as well as new processes for better performance of existing industries. It will thus also act as research facilities for innovative products and processes and for modification of existing products and processes as well as for assessing new ingredients for improvement in terms of cost and quality. And finally provide training to students and industry personnel.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurating the Incubation Centre for milk and dairy products, at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, in New Delhi on May 25, 2018.

The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurating the Food Testing Laboratory, at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, in New Delhi on May 25, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Shri J.P. Meena and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal at the inauguration of the Incubation Centre for milk and dairy products and Food Testing Laboratory, at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, in New Delhi on May 25, 2018.

The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal addressing at the inauguration of the Incubation Centre for milk and dairy products and Food Testing Laboratory, at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, in New Delhi on May 25, 2018.

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