Rs 106 crore invested in UP food sector in 2003-04

The food processing sector is picking up in Uttar Pradesh. In the first six months of 2003-04, the food processing ministry sanctioned a Rs 1.3 crore grant, which generated an investment of Rs 2.64 crore.

But in the second half of the fiscal the grant was increased to Rs 11.40 crore, which generated an investment of Rs 103.55 crore.

Terming the development a positive indication, Anil Swarup, secretary(food processing department), UP, said total investment was expected to be more than Rs 200 crore in this fiscal.

Along with the software and handicrafts sectors, the food processing industry was being given priority in the state, he said.

The Barabanki food processing park had attracted several companies but the Varanasi park was still some way off, he said.

He said the food processing fair in Lucknow was a success. He asked the companies to focus on the state's areas of strength like milk and milk products and meat processing.

In the second half of 2003-04, the government has sanctioned three milk and milk processing units, two oil seed and meat processing units each, four bakery and confectionery units, five flour mills, one rice mill and one frozen foods unit.

He said proposals pending with the ministry was likely to generate an investment of Rs 162.57 crore.

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Future bright

• Total investment is expected to be more than Rs 200 crore in 2004-05
• Along with the software and handicrafts sectors, the food processing industry is being given priority by the state government