New Delhi, Sep 23 (KNN) The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is planning to launch a scheme for creation and/ or expansion of food processing capacities.

The main objective of the scheme is to increase level of processing, value addition and thereby leading to reduction of wastage and enhancement of farmer’s income.

The operation guidelines for the scheme has been drafted and uploaded on the MOPFI website. The Ministry has sought feedback from stakeholders on the guidelines by September 27, 2016.

The sectors eligible under the scheme are - fruits & vegetables processing; milk processing; meat/ poultry/ fish processing and more.

However, the guidelines mention that the activities related to manufacture of aerated water, packaged drinking water and soft drinks (carbonated) will not be considered for financial assistance under the scheme.

According to the guidelines, the processing activities which may be undertaken by the processing units include - sorting, grading, washing, peeling, cutting, sizing, blanching, crushing, pulping, pasteurizing, packaging facilities like canning and more; chemical preservation etc.

Along with the Central/ State PSUs and Corporate entities, NGOs, proprietorship firms, private companies along with others are eligible for financial assistance under the scheme.

Under the scheme, financial assistance would be given to food processing units in the form of grant-in-aid as 35 per cent of the eligible project cost subject to a maximum of Rs 5.00 crore in General Areas; and 50 per cent of the eligible project cost subject to a maximum of Rs 5.00 crore in North Eastern States including Sikkim, Himalayan States, Island Areas and ITDP areas. (KNN Bureau)