Punjab is all set to give a big push to food processing sector with Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal heading the Ministry at the Centre.
Punjab Chief Secretary and other senior officials secretaries, held a brainstorming session with Union Food Processing secretary Siraj Hussain to finalise a blueprint to speed up food processing projects in the State.
Hussain, who was in the city to review implementation of National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP), said Punjab has highest potential to emerge as leading force in food processing sector.
Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal said mega food park at Fazilka would be ready in September this year. “MNC food processing units are vying to setup their units in the Mega Food Park in Fazilka as Punjab is the only state that can provide raw material at their doorstep,” he said.
Kaushal said that Punjab was committed to make it world class Food Park that would supply its products to international food chains. He said Punjab could be a leading member State in `2,000 crore cold chain project of Union Food Processing Ministry.
Hussain said that the project was being financed by NABARD. The NABARD representatives, agreeing to finance this ambitious project, said that they would work out modalities with concerned departments of Union and State Governments.
Kaushal informed that Punjab has sought applications from private players under NMFP for grant in aid or assistance under central schemes. “The last date of submitting application with Mission Director is August 21, and applicants can also get detail guidelines of NMFP from www.mofpi.nic.in and they can also submit their applications at the same portal,” he added.
Food Processing Secretary SR ladhar informed the Union Secretary that Punjab was setting up milk plants, establishing food development center in association with FDC Manitoba, upgrading laboratories with Government institution PAU, GADVASU, Amritsar University, PBTI, Markfed and Pungrain etc.
He said that four Primary Processing and Collection Centers were also finalised besides setting up of Punjab Food Processing Development Society for promotion of Punjab’s processed products in national and international exhibitions.