Need to develop ecosystem to make food processing industry growth & job oriented: AP CM

New Delhi, May 10 (KNN) In addition to contributing towards state’s economic growth, food industry must be developed in such a way that it becomes an employment provider said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu.

Emphasizing on the holistic approach, he said every department needs to take a holistic approach to prosperity.

Happy with the development of food processing sector, Naidu stressed on the need to aim for 25% growth as presently growth in food processing sector is only at 10%.

“Ideate whether you want a new food park, processing plant or want to bring out new incentives and keep working on it, then only it would result in a great value addition," he added.

In addition to this, Naidu said need is to develop a smart ecosystem and the industry in a way where food processing industry is not just a growth factor but also an employment provider.

Highlighting the achievements and targets of food processing department, Andhra Pradesh government informed the Chief Minister that two food processing parks assisted by the state government were ready for inauguration while one was under construction.

Further, during the conference, Minister was informed that Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society (APFPS), in collaboration with Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), was setting up a technology cum business centre.

In a presentation to the Chief Minister, Secretary (Industries and Commerce) Solomon Arokiaraj told the Chief Minister that Industries in Andhra Pradesh registered a tremendous growth rate of 8.49% as compared to the national growth rate of 4.4%.

Also, he was informed that the state was successful in attracting 2850 projects worth Rs 15,83,563 crore till now and would generate employment to 36,51,216 people.

Additionally, the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) made a contribution of 80% towards employment and contributed 34% towards gross state domestic product (GSDP).

The Chief Minister was also briefed about the major business development needs of the MSMEs, which primarily were – credit, turnover, exports, quality, certification and e-commerce.

During the conference, Progress report had been shared through presentation by the Secretary of Mines B. Sridhar, according to which Mines and Geology department surpassed its expectations and achieved a 109% growth above the target.

Apart from that, the report highlighted multiple workshops that the department of mines and geology had conducted to appraise the existing leaseholders about the environment clearance (EC) requirements.

In light of this, Chief Minister was informed that EC has been made mandatory for grant of new leases.

“Mining and sand policy has a satisfaction level of 86%. You need to go for value addition in this aspect,” said the Chief Minister to the department officials.

In the meeting, various departments shared their goals, projects, issues and challenges with the Chief Minister including Roads and building department.

Directing the Collectors to keep a regular check on road developments, the Chief Minister said, “Prior to monsoon all the works related to state highways must be completed and directed them to conduct surprise inspections frequently.