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MoFPI denies being inclined to take over APEDA from commerce ministry
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Friday, 30 August, 2019, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi and Khyati Das, Mumbai
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The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has denied having any inclination to takeover the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA), which comes under the Ministry of Commerce presently.
Rameshwar Teli, minister of state for food processing industries, said MoFPI had no plans in this regard.
Speaking to FnBnews on the sidelines of a function in Mumbai, he added, “There are no plans as yet.”
However, sources stated that the ministry was indeed inclined on taking control of not just APEDA, but also the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
It is learnt that the commerce ministry is planning to make a separate body for promotion of the processed food export, while the ministry of agriculture is also vying for taking control of APEDA.
An official with the agri ministry stated that bringing APEDA under its fold would enable the ministry in its goal of achieving doubling the farm income by aligning farm to market through a well-organised supply chain.
Also, with the control, the ministry could thereafter bring agricultural best practices and standards required specifically for the purpose of exports.
Teli, meanwhile, said that soon a Mega Park would be announced in Siliguri, West Bengal.
“Preparations are on and soon a Mega Food Park shall be launched in Siliguri, as we are focussing on bringing the North-Eastern Region on board with the overall development plan for the country. This would be a step towards completion of the 42 Mega Parks envisaged by the MoFPI,” he added.
Teli stated that the Cabinet has told MoFPI to also focus on Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry also plans to hold a road show in the northern state to sensitise the people about the opportunities in food processing.
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