Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on development of food processing sector in the country on the lines of Thailand and Malaysia, Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal said today.
"As a result of the importance given to the industry, the Centre has decided to reopen the North East Mega Park and provide Rs 50 crore for the purpose," Badal said while inaugurating the Park at Natkuchi in Assam's Nalbari district.
The park would be developed along the lines of Thailand and Malaysia with emphasis on establishing linkage with farmers and market leading to exploration of new markets, the Minister said.
Collection centres would also be set up in five districts of Sibsagar, Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur, Darrang and Kokrajhar in the state for collection of raw materials for the Mega Food Park, Badal said.
Three cold storages would also be set up in Nagaon, Kajalgaon and Chaygaon areas, she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said as food processing has more demand in the state in particular and across the whole nation in general, the new food processing park would prevent the waste of agricultural products.
Gogoi also urged the Centre to provide more incentives to attract investors to the state.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who also attended the inaugural programme, said the processed food could be exported to neighbouring countries and the Park was expected to change the economic face of the region.
The North East Mega Food Park was set up at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore and an annual turnover of Rs 400 to 500 crore was expected from it.
