Food Processing

• Ministry of Food Processing Industries inaugurated Computational Modelling and Nanoscale Processing Unit at the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• The Ministry also inaugurated a National Conference on Emerging Techniques in Food Processing.

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Computational Modelling and Nano-scale Processing Unit

• Modelling is a powerful tool for optimizing and improving process control over various unit operations by acquiring an in-depth understanding of the intricate transport phenomena in food systems.
• This unit will focus on the application of computational fluid dynamics in various agri-food processing applications.
• The will unit use advanced computing methods and undertakes industry and other external funded research projects in this field.
• The unit also conducts studies on Nano-level food processing, which includes strategies for nano-encapulation, nano-emulsions, nano-delivery systems, nano-packaging and other advanced applications.
• Research and development on various aspects of nanostructured foods, nano-carrier systems, nano-food additives, nano-coatings, and development of nano-sensors are under progress.

Food Grain Production in India

• Globally, India is leading in the food grain production
• Market in food is booming with an expected figure of Rs. 61 lakh crores in food retail by 2020.
• India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
• India is the world leader in production of milk, banana, mangoes, spices, shrimp, pulses; and second cereals, vegetables and tea.
• The food processing industries accounts 32% of India’s total food market
• Indian agriculture is self-sufficient when it comes to production. However, challenges are posed by yield, efficiency, technology, information, markets, investments, and research and development.

Ministry of Food Processing Industries

• It is responsible for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to food processing in India.
• Ministry has also been instrumental in helping farmers and have approved 42 mega food parks.
• It provides financial support of 35% of the total cost of plant and machinery for encouraging growth in food processing.

Other steps taken by Government of India (GOI) towards food processing

• GOI has entrusted specialized agro-processing financial institutions to finance/refinance the food processing sector, and has launched neoteric initiatives such as ‘Operation Greens’, to monitor price fluctuations.

Pradhann Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna

• (PMKSY) is approved by GOI and it is a central sponsored scheme under Ministry of Food Processing Industries. It is a scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters.
• It is a big step towards doubling of farmer’s income through the assets (Sampada) of farmer.
• It is a comprehensive package which will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.
• It will provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country and creates huge employment opportunities in the rural areas, reducing wastage of agricultural produce and increasing the food processing level and its export.

The following schemes will be implemented under PMKSY:

• Mega Food Parks
• Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
• Creation/ Expansion of Food Processing/ Preservation Capacities (Unit Scheme)
• Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters
• Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages
• Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure
• Human Resources and Institutions
• Operation Greens