Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra on Tuesday inaugurated a workshop on ‘Investors Meet on Food Processing’ at the Odisha MSME International Trade Fair here.
He said there is vast scope for the food processing sector in the State. Mohapatra urged the implementing agencies to implement the food processing policy of the State in true letter and spirit.
Joint Secretary of Ministry of Food Processing JP Meena said the growth rate in food processing sector has been more than 80 per cent in the last two years. The whole sector in the country has attracted an investment of around Rs1.20 lakh crore. Odisha has vast scope for setting up food processing units in rice, marine products, oil, spices and other agricultural products, he said, adding that 50 per cent of subsidy is available for mega Food Parks, cold chains and abattoirs.
MSME Department Secretary Panchanan Dash said the State’s food processing policy, new agricultural policy and MSME policy would help youths set up MSME units of their choice.
Among others, Agriculture Secretary Rajesh Kumar Verma and Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Secretary Bishnupada Sethi stressed on agro-based industries.