Himachal bags ‘Best State in Food Processing Award’ for introducing innovative schemes
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Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan lists positive financial impact on rural economy
Himachal Pradesh has been honoured with the “Best State in Food Processing Award-2024” for its exceptional work in introducing innovative programmes and their effective implementation in the food processing sector.
The initiatives have positively impacted the lives of lakhs of farmers and the rural population in the state. The award was received by IAS officer Meera Mohanty, who is the Resident Commissioner of the Himachal Pradesh government in New Delhi, on behalf of the Department of Industries at the “Agriculture Leadership Conclave” held in New Delhi on July 10 (2024).
The event was organised by the “Agriculture Today Group”, and the award was presented by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Over the years, Himachal Pradesh has significantly enhanced its food processing infrastructure, which now includes 23 ‘Designated Food Parks’, one ‘Dedicated Mega Food Park’, two ‘Agro Processing Clusters’ in Kangra and Solan districts, and 18 cold chain projects. These projects encompass numerous food processing units under the ‘State Mission on Food Processing Scheme’ and ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana’.
In 2023, the state was also recognised as the ‘Outstanding Performing State’ under the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme at the World Food India event organised by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries on November 5, 2023. The award was received by Rakesh Prajapati, Director of Industries, Himachal Pradesh, from President Droupadi Murmu.
Under the PMFME scheme, 1,320 individual micro food processing enterprises have been sanctioned and received credit-linked subsidies amounting to ₹30 crore. Additionally, seed capital amounting to ₹50.31 crore has been disbursed to 13,427 self-help groups or individual members. Furthermore, three incubation centres are being set up in the state with the vision to enhance micro food processing enterprises and continuously upgrade their product quality standards.
Expressing his pleasure on Himachal Pradesh receiving the award, Himachal Pradesh Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said, “Food Processing is a priority sector for the Industries Department of the state as it provides opportunities for value addition and has a positive financial impact on the economy of rural Himachal Pradesh.”
