PANJIM: In a
bid to boost the Food Processing sector, the State Government on Thursday introduced
a special scheme ‘State Mission for Food Processing Scheme (SMFP)–2016’, which
aims at enhancing the income of farmers as well as increase the export.
The
scheme provides incentives to food processing units in the form of financial
assistance to the extent of 25 percent of the cost of Plant and Machinery and
Technical Civil Works, subject to a maximum of Rs 30 lakhs, to be released in
two equal installments.
Georgina
Saldanha, Under Secretary (Industries) informed that the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries (MoFPI) Government of India was implementing Centrally
Sponsored Scheme (CSS) National Mission of Food Processing (NMFP) with an
objective to decentralize implementation of Ministry’s schemes, which could
lead substantial participation of State Governments/UTs.
However,
the Government of India has delinked NMFP Scheme from Central financial
assistance and has left it to States to decide to continue (or not) NMFP Scheme
out of the increased resources resulting from the recommendations of the 14th
Finance Commission.
“As
there is good scope for development of food based industries and generates
sustainable employment, the State Government intends to continue the Scheme,”
Saldanha said.
The
main objective of the scheme is to increase the level of processing, reduction
of wastage, value addition, enhance the income of farmers as well as increase
exports thereby resulting in overall development of food processing sector.
“The
scheme envisages extending the financial assistance/incentive for establishment
of new food processing units as well as technology up gradation and expansion
of existing food processing units which can help in creating sustainable local
employment in the State,” she said.
The
food processing sectors like fruits & vegetables, dairy/meat/poultry/fish
products, bakery products, cereal/other consumer food products,
rice/flour/pulse/oil milling and such other agri-horti sectors including food
flavors, colours, oleoresins, spices, coconut, mushroom wines and hops will be
covered under the scheme.
The
activities of aerated water, packaged drinking water and aerated drinks will
not be considered for financial assistance under the scheme.
Government
has constituted Internal Screening Committee and State Level Empowered
Committee to decide on the applications received under the scheme.
