The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) serves as the catalyst for India’s growth in the food processing sector, facilitating value addition, employment generation, and rural development. With a focus on promoting agro-processing, infrastructure development, and technology adoption, it formulates policies and implements initiatives to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the food processing industry. Stay informed about government schemes, incentives, and investment opportunities offered by MOFPI. Explore resources for food entrepreneurs, farmers, and stakeholders across the food value chain. Whether you’re involved in food manufacturing, logistics, or research, the ministry’s efforts aim to unleash the full potential of India’s agricultural abundance, creating a robust and sustainable food ecosystem for the nation and beyond. Let’s collaborate to nourish and empower communities while driving economic growth through food processing innovation.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI)
The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, launched on June 29, 2020, by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, has completed two years of implementation. Here are the key highlights and objectives of the PMFME Scheme:
Aim of the Scheme:
- The PMFME Scheme aims to empower unorganized micro-enterprises through the ‘One District One Product’ approach. States are tasked with identifying food products, including perishable agricultural produce and cereal-based products.
Implementation Period:
- The scheme is operational from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
Capacity Building Component:
- The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) at Kundli and Thanjavur are providing training and research support to food processing enterprises, groups, and clusters in partnership with State Level Technical Institutions and private training partners.
Financial Support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
- The scheme provides financial support of Rs. 40,000 for working capital and the purchase of small tools for each member of the Self Help Group (SHG) engaged in food processing activities.
Marketing and Branding Activities:
- Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.) and TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) to facilitate marketing and branding activities, providing support and guidance to beneficiaries across the entire value chain.
The PMFME Scheme is geared towards the formalization and empowerment of micro-food processing enterprises, contributing to the broader vision of self-reliance and economic development. It emphasizes capacity building, financial support for SHGs, and strategic partnerships for marketing and branding activities. This scheme plays a crucial role in bolstering the food processing sector in India.
FAQs
Q. What is the role of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI)?
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting the development, expansion, and modernization of the food processing industry in India. It focuses on adding value to agricultural produce, reducing wastage, enhancing food safety, and creating employment opportunities in the food processing sector.
Q. What are the key objectives of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries?
The Ministry aims to promote investment, innovation, and infrastructure development in the food processing sector, facilitate market access and value addition for agricultural produce, enhance food safety and quality standards, and promote entrepreneurship and skill development in food processing. Its objectives include increasing food processing levels, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting food exports to boost agricultural income and rural development.
Q. What initiatives has the Ministry of Food Processing Industries undertaken to promote food processing and value addition?
The Ministry implements various initiatives and schemes to promote food processing and value addition, including Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) for infrastructure development, Mega Food Parks Scheme for integrated food processing clusters, and Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure (CVAP) for cold storage and logistics. It also provides financial assistance, incentives, and support measures to attract investment and promote entrepreneurship in the food processing sector.
Q. How does the Ministry of Food Processing Industries contribute to reducing food wastage and enhancing food security?
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries contributes to reducing food wastage and enhancing food security by promoting food processing and preservation technologies, cold chain infrastructure, and value addition techniques. It encourages the conversion of perishable agricultural produce into processed and packaged foods, thereby extending shelf life, reducing spoilage, and ensuring availability of nutritious and safe food products throughout the year.
Q. What role does the Ministry of Food Processing Industries play in ensuring food safety and quality standards?
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries plays a key role in ensuring food safety and quality standards by formulating regulations, standards, and guidelines for food processing, packaging, labeling, and distribution. It promotes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and food safety management systems to ensure compliance with food safety norms and regulations. Additionally, it collaborates with regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and consumer organizations to monitor and enforce food safety standards across the food processing value chain.
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