Centre okays 17 mega food parks for Rs. 6,000cr.

The Centre recently sanctioned setting up of 17 new mega food parks to different state agencies and private entities. These parks are expected to attract investment of over Rs. 6,000 crore.

While six of these parks will be set up by different state agencies, 11 will be set up by 11 different private companies including Adani Ports SEZ, Jain Agro Trading Company, Continental Warehousing Corporation and 3F Industries Ltd.

It is expected that these 17 parks, when fully functional, will create employment for around 80,000 persons and benefit about 5 lakh farmers directly and indirectly.

These parks were allotted after processing 72 applications. Basic infrastructure in these food parks is expected to be set up within 30 months.

Setting up of mega food parks is being considered as the first big step in the 'Make in India' scheme to promote domestic industry and create jobs. These food parks plan to link agricultural production with the market by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers to maximize value addition, minimize wastage and increase farmers' income. These parks are also expected to help in stabilizing prices of food products and containing inflation in the country.


TOI