Punjab all set to give big push to food processing sector

Chandigarh, August 6, 2014: Punjab is all set to give a big push to food processing sector with Union Food Processing Secretary Siraj Hussain having a detailed brainstorming session with Punjab Chief Secretary and concerned secretaries finalising a blueprint to speed up food processing projects.
Siraj Hussain, who was here to review the implementation of National Mission on Food Processing, said that Punjab has highest potential to emerge as leading force in Food Processing sector.
Giving details about the ongoing projects Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal informed that World Class Mega Food Park at Fazilka would be ready in September this year. He said MNC food processing units were 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.  Kaushal said that Punjab was committed to make it world class Food Park that would supply its products to international food chains. The Chief Secretary also informed that CM and Deputy CM has already finalised the infrastructure requirements of Mega Food Park. He said PAIC was developing a mega food park near Ladhowal Ludhiana in 100 acres and mini food park was also under construction at Sirhind.
The Chief Secretary said that Punjab could be a leading member state in Rs. 2000 crore cold chain project of Union Food Processing Ministry. Hussain said that this project was being financed by NABARD. The NABARD representatives agreeing to finance this ambitious project said that they would work out modalities with the concerned departments of Union and State governments.
Kaushal informed that Punjab has sought applications from private players under NMFP for grant in aid/assistance under central schemes. He said that the last date of submitting application with Mission Director is August 21, 2014. He said that applicants can also get the detail guidelines of NMFP from www.mofpi.nic.in  and they can also submit their applications at the same portal.
Secretary Food Processing S.R. Ladhar also 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 4 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.