Agri-biz package for food sector soon

The ministry of food processing is planning to develop a vision document, a comprehensive food policy and an integrated agri-business document to provide an impetus to the food processing industry. A new excise policy to accelerate the growth in the sector is also expected to be announced soon.

Speaking at a national seminar on The Food Safety and Standards Bill 2005, 'Implications for the Food Industry', organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Subodh Kant Sahai, minister of state for food processing industries, said the government would propose the setting up of a "mega food park" and the National Institute of Food Training and Management. The Food Safety and Standards bill is expected to be passed during the winter session.

He urged CII to provide inputs to the ministry before the Parliamentary Committee meeting scheduled to be held in the forthcoming weeks.

"A state-of-the-art lab, integrated law, a single ministry and a single regulatory authority are on the anvil. The government is proposing an agri-bank to provide funding to the sector," he added.

The minister urged the industry to take collaborative steps with big players working on building the brand and the local players undertaking the first processing steps.