Mega subsidy offer in food processing sector

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The Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business has called upon eligible individuals and institutions to avail themselves of the subsidy extended under the Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro Processing Clusters (Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana) implemented by the Union government.

The scheme is being implemented by the Centre with an allocation of Rs. 6,000 crore for the period 2016-2020. The scheme is being implemented by Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), a Department press release said.

The scheme offers a comprehensive package, which will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It seeks to provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also help in providing better returns to, creating employment opportunities, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods.

Mega food parks, integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure, expansion of food processing and preservation capacities, infrastructure for agro-processing clusters, creation of backward and forward linkages and food safety and quality assurance infrastructure are to be promoted under the scheme.

Among these, except for the mega food parks, there is wide scope of utilising the other components of the scheme in Tiruchi district.

Five agro processing clusters have been allocated for Tamil Nadu, and a maximum subsidy of Rs. 10 crore can be availed per project. A maximum subsidy of Rs. 10 crore per project can also be availed for cold chains and value addition infrastructure. For projects on creation or expansion of food processing and preservation capacities and creation of backward and forward linkages, a maximum subsidy of Rs. 5 crore per project will be extended.

Government and public sector undertakings, joint ventures, non-governmental organisations, cooperatives, self help groups, farmers producers organisations private sector units and individuals can avail financial assistance under the scheme.

Those interested in availing the scheme can get further details from the office of the Deputy Director (Agri Business), Tiruchi, by dialling 0431-2422142 or by visiting the website: www.mofpi.nic.in

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