Jammu, Oct 20 (KNN) Certain districts of J&K have ample scope for setting up Food Parks due to availability of raw material, said state MSMEs adding that the Food Parks would not only generate employment but would also provide opportunities to the micro, small and medium enterprises in the region.

This was states by Bari Brahmana Industries Association during a conclave on Agri & Food Processors organized by industry body Assocham.

Lalit Mahajan, Chairman, Federation of Industries, Jammu, highlighted the scope of food processing industries in Jammu province for which it is the need of the hour to establish Mega Food Park in R.S. Pura, Kathua,

“It is Pertinent to mentioned here that no Food Park has been set up so far in Samba, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda & Udhampur District,” he said.

He said the food park can generate employment opportunities and generate business for small sector.

Also, because of availability of raw material, the units can operate quite well, he added.

BBIA Chairman, however, said that the Negative List for the Food Processing Industries which includes Edible Oil, Roasted Ground Nuts etc can be one of the roadblocks in the sector.

Despite Central Government’s assistance through NABARD & MSME Ministry being available, no food processing industry has been set up in the region, he added.

FOIJ urged for setting up of Food Park in Jammu Region for which it said land is readily available in Ghati Industrial Area in Kathua District.

It said efforts should be made by the Industry Department for the establishment of Food Park in R.S. Pura, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda & Udhampur District under Cluster Development scheme of Government India. (KNN Bureau)