On the basis of these studies, NSDC has projected requirement of 17.8 million skilled workers by the year 2022 in food processing sector.
The Ministry has released an amount of Rs. 184.68 crore during 2012-13 and Rs. 8.99 crore during 2013-14 (upto 30.11.2013) to the State/ UT Governments under the scheme of National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP).
Under the scheme, State/ UT Governments are empowered to utilize funds not exceeding 20% of total NMFP allocations of the respective State/ UT in a year on the component of Human Resource Development.
State Governments have been requested by the Ministry to utilize fifty percent (50%) of HRD allocations under NMFP for skill development.
The Ministry under its 11th Plan scheme for Technology Upgradation/Establishment/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries, provides grant-in-aid for setting up of food processing units @25% of the cost of Plant & Machinery and Technical Civil Works subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs in general areas and @33.33% subject to a maximum of Rs. 75 lakhs in difficult areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and North-Eastern States, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep and ITDP areas.
This Scheme has been subsumed in the newly launched Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) during 12th Plan (w.e.f. 1.4.2012) to be implemented through States/UTs.
This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Dr Charan Das Mahant in a written reply to Rajya Sabha questions.
