|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
MoFPI receives 25 international queries on help desk credited to Badal
|
|
Wednesday, 01 October, 2014, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
|
|
fiogf49gjkf0d One of the initiatives credited to minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal was the creation of a help desk in the ministry to handle international queries. As soon as it was launched, it received 25 queries from international players interested in investing in the sector. It is expected to be a one-stop solution for investors.
The minister was in Gujarat recently to address the food processing industry at the sixth international summit on food processing, agri-business and dairy, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
The meet attended by researchers, technopreneurs, entrepreneurs, leading players, investors and exporters from various states in India, and delegations representing the Netherlands, Nigeria and Suriname.
Badal said, “When I took over as a minister of food processing industries, there was no data about the food items grown in a particular area. I asked the ministry to create a district-wise food map to help investors find the best locations to set up their plants.”
She also released a knowledge report on the Indian food processing industry, which was titled ‘FAD: The Golden Business Horizon’ and prepared by ASSOCHAM and RNCOS, a leading business research and consultancy firm.
Siraj Hussain, secretary, MoFPI informed FnB News that in order to cater the international investors, it was very important to create a food map for them. “That would help them to set up food processing plants in India,” he added.
He said, “The food map has been uploaded on the ministry’s website. We would also be uploading the rules and regulations that investors need to adhere to in each of the states.”
“Through our investors’ portals, investors can find out where they can avail of loans, whom to approach for approvals, etc,” Hussain said, adding that Badal appreciated the Gujarat model of agriculture.
“She appreciated many initiatives taken in Gujarat. These include soil testing, Krishi Mahotsav, and the reforms in the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act (the state has allowed farmers to set up private markets),” he informed.
“MoFPI may adopt some of the initiatives of the state, and implement them on a large scale. The goal of our ministry is to take food processing to the farmers’ doorsteps,” said Hussain.
Gujarat agriculture minister Babubhai Bokhiriya shared the state’s journey and government’s proactive initiatives from the last decade to make Gujarat the growth engine of the nation and a favourable destination for business.
He also showcased the potential of the western state’s food processing sector, and its advantages, as well as the state government’s achievements so far, particularly the implementation of mega food parks and installation of food irradiation units to minimise wastage and promote export.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|