Elaborate on the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (250 words)
The food processing sector in India has immense potential for growth and employment generation. The government of India has taken several policy measures to meet the challenges faced by the food processing sector, including:
- National Food Processing Policy: The government has formulated the National Food Processing Policy to create a conducive environment for investment, enhance competitiveness, and increase farmers’ income.
- Make in India: The government has launched the Make in India initiative to encourage domestic and foreign investment in the food processing sector.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana: The government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana to create modern infrastructure for food processing in the country.
- Mega Food Parks: The government has set up Mega Food Parks across the country to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure for food processing and to attract private investment.
- Foreign Direct Investment: The government has liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in the food processing sector to encourage foreign investment.
- Technology Upgradation: The government has initiated various schemes for technology upgradation and capacity building in the food processing sector.
- Research and Development: The government has set up research and development institutes to promote innovation and development of new technologies in the food processing sector.
- Quality Standards: The government has introduced quality standards for food processing to ensure that the processed food products meet international standards.
- Export Promotion: The government has launched several schemes to promote food exports, such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Market Access Initiative (MAI).
In conclusion, the government of India has taken several policy measures to meet the challenges faced by the food processing sector. These measures aim to create a conducive environment for investment, enhance competitiveness, increase farmers’ income, and promote innovation and development in the food processing sector.
