Nagaland Aims to Boost Food Processing Industry with Ambitious Policy
Kohima, March 18: In an effort to boost the state’s food processing industry, the Nagaland Government has tabled a comprehensive policy, the Nagaland Food Processing Industries Policy (NFPIP), at the 6th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The policy aims to identify and develop potential resources, providing necessary infrastructure and support to attract entrepreneurs and investors.
The policy identifies various food processing sectors, including pulse, cereal, and millet-based processing, parboiled rice processing, spice processing, and more. The state government is committed to providing necessary support to facilitate the growth of these industries, including establishing common processing centers and industrial estates/food parks. A budget of Rs 3.50 Crore has been allocated for five years to achieve this goal.
The policy acknowledges that the food processing industry in Nagaland is still in its infancy stage, characterized by a lack of organized infrastructure, weak entrepreneurial skills, and poor market linkages. To address these issues, the state government has proposed various incentives, including financial assistance, subsidies, and special support for women entrepreneurs.
Under the policy, entrepreneurs in rural areas who have availed assistance under the Central government’s Prime Minister Formalization of Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme can receive a 5% subsidy on project costs for setting up or upgrading food processing units. Women entrepreneurs can receive a 10% subsidy on project costs for establishing or upgrading food processing units. The policy also provides subsidies for setting up primary processing centers, collection centers, and cold storage facilities.
The policy also aims to promote the development of industrial estates/food parks and provide support for the growth of food processing industries. To achieve this, the state government will establish food testing labs, incubation centers, and training centers. The policy is expected to attract prospective entrepreneurs and investors, creating new opportunities for economic growth in the state.
“The provision of adequate infrastructure is a pre-requisite for industrial growth and development,” the policy stated, emphasizing the need for the state government to provide necessary support for the growth of food processing industries. The policy is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting the state’s food processing industry and providing a platform for entrepreneurs to thrive. With its strategic approach, the NFPIP is poised to make a significant impact on the state’s economy and livelihoods.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/key-sectors-identified-for-food-processing-in-nagaland
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-03-18 21:45:00
