The Madhya Pradesh government has decided in principle to set up 10 mega food processing parks on the Baba Ramdev model, horticulture principal secretary Pravir Krishn said on Friday.
The state government will provide 50% subsidy on a mega project, extending up to a maximum of Rs 50 crore, he said.
A team of government officials, which had recently visited Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Haridwar, has reportedly returned impressed and agreed in principal to replicate the model in the state.
The Rs 500-crore Patanjali park is touted as the largest food park in the world. However, the decision has triggered speculations that the move was intended to make way for Baba Ramdev to pitch his camps in the state.
Pravir Krishn said besides the 10 mega food processing parks, the government also intended to set up 40 mini and 500 micro food processing parks in the PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode across the state.
A recent government study indicates that only 2% of MP’s horticulture produce is processed on the home turf which leaves a huge scope for food processing units to set up business in the state.
The state stands first in producing garlic and guava, second in production of onion, coriander and peas. It stands third in tomato and fourth in potato production, according to a report.
According to a revised plan, the government has set a target to process at least 25% of food processing within the state.
Official sources said the state horticulture department was short of 50% senior development officers and 33% rural extension officers.
According to a revised plan, the government has set a target to process at least 25% of food processing within the state.
Official sources said the state horticulture department was short of 50% senior development officers and 33% rural extension officers.
Digest this
Govt to provide 50% subsidy on a mega project, extending up to a maximum of Rs 50 crore
Team of government officials recently visited Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Haridwar
The Rs 500-crore Patanjali park is touted as the largest food park in the world
However, the decision has triggered speculations that the move was intended to make way for Baba Ramdev to pitch his camps in the state.