The State Government recognises the importance of a sunshine sector like food processing and has formed a dedicated cell to provide support to entrepreneurs for setting up industries in the sector, said Joint Secretary of State MSME Department FM Nayak on Tuesday.
Speaking at a seminar on ‘Development of Food Processing Industries under Fishery and Animal Husbandry’ organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the State Government, Nayak informed that a mega sea food park is proposed to come up at Deras at a cost of Rs 116 crore. The Chief Secretary has directed to identify 20 places to set up food parks in the State. He also informed about the subsidies and other incentives made available by the State Government to set up food processing industries.
State Fisheries Joint Director Pratap Chandra Rout said steps are being taken to upgrade the fishing harbours according to the European Union norms. An amount tof Rs 20 crore has been spent to upgrade two fishing harbours while 30 more fish landing centres would be upgraded soon. Horticulture Joint Director Ramesh Chandra Das said the cold storages in the State need to be developed.
Ruchi Food lines director Arbind Sahu recalled how his father Sarat Sahu started with a single Chaki 40 years back to produce turmeric and chili powders and now the company is producing a wide range of products from spices, pasta to packed frozen food. ICC joint director and head of agri business Madhuparna Bhowmick delivered the welcome address.