Indian state to develop mega food processing park

The Indian state of Orissa has initiated measures to develop a food processing park in the region.

The project will be implemented on public-private partnership with a total investment of Rs$2bn ($40.97m), the New Indian Express reported.

The first phase will be implemented in Rayagada and Khurda districts with an investment of Rs1.2bn ($24.58m), while the second phase will be implemented in the Ganjam district with an investment of Rs800m ($16.39m).

The project will feature field collection centres, primary processing centres, central processing centres and extended storage facilities for agricultural products.

As the state has a 480km-long coast, four fishing harbours and 60 fish landing centres, fishery activities and marine food processing units will also fall under the scheme.

The government has proposed 56 processing units over 198 acres and plans to focus on four or five types of agro-food products that can be grown in abundance in the state.

The government has asked the Industries Department to develop a package of assistance and incentives necessary and submit it for approval.