In order to assist the entrepreneurs and agro-processing industries, ministry of food processing industries (MFPI) implemented the scheme for technology upgradation/ establishment/modernization of food processing industries during 11th Plan. The scheme is specifically aimed at creation of new processing capacity and upgradation of existing processing capabilities for various sectors like milk, fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery, wine, consumer items and grain milling.
Under the above scheme, ministry extended financial assistance to food processing units including fruits and vegetables units in the form of grants-in-aid to the implementing agencies/entrepreneurs at 25% of the cost of plant and machinery and technical civil works subject to a maximum of Rs 50.00 lakh in general areas, or at 33.33% subject to maximum of Rs 75.00 lakh in difficult areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and North-Eastern states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and ITDP areas.
Dr Charan Das Mahant, minister of state for agriculture and food processing industries, said the scheme of technology upgradation/establishment/modernisation of food processing industries has been subsumed in the national food processing mission (NMFP) with effect from April 1, 2012 (2012-13). In 2012-13 (as on February 15, 2013), 966 units got assistance of Rs 1,4574.38 lakh.