core sector communique

TIES with other Countries for Growth of Food Processing Industry

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) has entered into agreements with some developed countries viz. Germany and France for bilateral co-operation in the field of food processing which generally include processed food segments including fruits and vegetables. Besides, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has entered into number of umbrella agreements with some developed countries like USA, France, Canada, Netherlands, Argentina, Austria, Brazil for bilateral co-operation in the areas of agriculture and allied sectors which generally include agro and food processing. Apart from this, MoUs have been entered into by two institutions under the FPI Ministry, namely National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM) & Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT) with universities in such industrialised countries. These MoUs relate to collaboration in teaching and research in the food processing sector. To help the food processing sector of the African countries under the framework of India Africa Forum Summit-II, the FPI Ministry is implementing one Food Processing Cluster, five Food Testing Laboratories and five Food Processing Business Incubation Centres in Africa. For capacity building of the African food processing industry sector, various short-term training programmes in the areas of food safety & quality, food packaging, food testing skills, entrepreneurship and agribusiness development are also being organised by the Ministry through reputed/ specialized Institutes in the country related to Food Processing Industry Sector. Participation in the international fairs/exhibitions in Africa and business to business meetings/ engagements/ collaborations etc. are also being organised/encouraged by the Ministry to help the development of food processing sector in the Africa in countries. This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Dr. Charan Das Mahant in written replies in the Rajya Sabha today.