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NSFI & Arunachal industries dept’s MoU to boost food processing sector
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Thursday, 16 October, 2014, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d Arunachal Pradesh’s Department of Industries inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Haryana's National Skill Foundation of India (NSFI) for the development of the state food processing sector at the recent Arunachal Pradesh Food Conclave Investors’ Meet 2014.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata, in association with the support of the Department of Industries, Arunachal Pradesh and the ministry of food processing industries in Itanagar, organised the one-day conclave, which focussed on the issues faced by and opportunities in the food processing sector in the north-eastern state and opportunities for possible business set-ups.
On the condition of anonymity, an official from the office of the state chief minister, Nabam Tuki, said, “Investors and entrepreneurs from across India have been invited by Tuki to explore the immense potential in the state’s agro and food processing sectors.”
“The chief minister has assured an investor-friendly environment to the investors, with the requisite support from the Arunachal Pradesh government. The food conclave aims to focus on the state’s investment potential. He envisaged that the state, with all its potential, would become a major food processing hub of the country in the future,” he added.
“It would cater to the demand for food products from the state across the country and the world. Investments in this sector would promote commercial farming in a big way, and in this way, farmers and local entrepreneurs in particular, and the state in general, would benefit from these kinds of ventures,” the official stated.
“Since most of the farmers in the state have traditionally been practicing organic farming, the chief minister has actively been considering declaring the state as an organic state. Even the government of India has also laid emphasis on promoting organic farming in view of the rising global demand for organic food products and to allocate generous fund provision to promote organic farming,” he added.
Mutchu Mithi, parliamentary secretary, horticulture, Arunachal Pradesh, said, “Due to the bright future of the food processing industry, it is considered one of the sunrise industries in the country.”
“But due to the lack of cold chain and food processing facilities in the country, we waste about 20 per cent of food. If this sector is promoted in a big way, it would enhance opportunities for trade and business, and also create employment opportunities,” he added.
“It has been proposed that a mega food park would be set up in Kimin. Various pro-investment steps have been taken by our government. These would augur well for the growth of the food processing sector in the state,” Mithi added.
“We are also planning to provide a single-window clearance for the industry. Another objective of our government is to address the connectivity and infrastructure issues,” he added.
Speaking about the connectivity bottlenecks, Mithi said, “Under the prime minister’s package, various trans-Arunachal roads would be connected to the various parts of this vast state.”
“A greenfield airport is slated to come up in Hollongi. This is under progress. And with the launch of the Rajdhani train service, the connectivity issue would be addressed to a great extent,” he added.
Dr S S Ghonkrokta, secretary, industries, Arunachal Pradesh, said, “There is not only scope and potential in, but also difficulties faced by the food processing sector.”
“I have been apprised of the Trans-Arunachal State Grid plan regarding the power infrastructure, feasible agriculture and horticulture projects and high-potential crops. But there also challenges, such as those pertaining to infrastructure, the lack of awareness and weak market linkages,” he added.
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