National Mission on Food Processing
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in August 2012 had approved a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme titled “National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP)”. This scheme was announced in Union Budget 2012-13. The objective of the scheme is to have a better outreach and to provide more flexibility to suit local needs. The food processing sector has been growing at an average rate of over 8 per cent over the past 5 years. India lags the world in the food processing sector, as a result of which of fruits and vegetables worth nearly Rs 44,000 crore are lost annually due to lack of proper infrastructure and facilities.
Objectives of the scheme
The basic objective of NMFP is decentralization of implementation of Ministry’s schemes, which will lead to substantial participation of State Governments / UTs.
- To spread the message of significance of food processing for enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers income in the country.
- To assist the state governments in creating requisite synergy between their agricultural plans and development of food processing sector.
- To assist the state governments in addressing both institutional and infrastructural gaps along the Value Chains and thus create efficient Supply Chains for agricultural produces.
- To promote initiatives for skill development, training and entrepreneurship which would meet needs of both post-harvest management and food processing industry.
- To assist MSMEs in setting up/modernization of food processing units by providing need based support in terms of capital/technology/skill etc.
- To assist food processing industry to meet requisite standards in terms of food safety laws and market demand, both domestic and international.
Guiding principles
- Organizing the unorganized food processors, including Self-Help Groups, to help them reap advantages of Mission initiatives.
- Ensuring advantages of programmes/schemes/institutions/infrastructure of NMFP reach Micro and Small Enterprises on preferential basis.
- Dedicated, professional, sensitive and accountable support structure to initiate and implement the Mission initiatives in a transparent manner.
- Mission initiatives to be shaped and driven by proposed beneficiaries.
- Adoption of best practices for scaling up programmes/initiatives.
Structure of the mission
The mission has a three-tier structure at National, State and District levels.
National Level
- A Mission Directorate in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries with a Governing Council and an Executive Committee.
- The Council would be responsible for laying down priorities of the Mission and making its operational guidelines.
- The Committee would ensure smooth functional linkages among various levels and would be the link between Ministry and various state governments.
State level
- At the State level, too, a similar structure would be provided. Thus, there would be a State Food Processing Mission, which may be guided by a General Body.
District Level
District Industries Centres may be nodal body for planning, implementation and monitoring of various programmes of Mission.
Major programmes/schemes to be covered under NMFP
- Scheme for technology up-gradation / setting up /Modernization / expansion of food processing industries
- Scheme for supporting cold chain facilities for non-horticultural produces and reefer vehicles
- Scheme for creating primary processing centres/collection centres in rural areas
- Scheme for modernization of abattoirs
- Scheme For Modernization Of Meat Shops
- Scheme For Human Resource Development
- Scheme For Promotional Activities
- Scheme For Upgradation Of Quality Of Street Food
