The main objective of the scheme is to increase the level of Food Processing, reduction of wastage, value addition, enhance the income of farmers as well as increase in exports thereby resulting in overall development of food processing sector. The scheme envisages to extend the financial assistance for setting up of new food processing units as well as expansion of existing units in the State.
Following food processing sectors are eligible to avail the assistance under the scheme:
a) Fruit & Vegetables processing
b) Milk processing
c) Meat, Poultry, Fish processing
d) Ready to Eat/ Ready to Cook Food products/ Breakfast cereals/ Snacks/ bakery and other food products including nutritional health foods.
e) Agri-horticulture sectors including food flavors/food additives and colors, oleoresins, spices, coconut, mushrooms and hops will be covered under the Scheme.
It will include processes of value addition to produce through methods such as preservation, addition of food additives, drying with a view to preserve food substances in an effective manner and enhance their shelf life and quality.
Food Packaging which enhances the shelf life of food shall also be considered as a part of food processing and shall be eligible for the all the provisions covered under this policy.