TS hardsells policy at world food meet
KTR says food processing policy can double farmers’ income
The state government introduced its food processing policy on Saturday with an aim to boost investments in the sector and improve the prospects of farmers.
Launching the policy at World Food India 2017 in New Delhi on Saturday, minister K.T. Rama Rao said the goal was to double the incomes of farmers in the state.
The policy has been prepared to establish and promote linkages between agriculture and food processing sectors. Mr Rama Rao stated that the current initiatives of the state government like distributing sheep and releasing fish fingerlings in water bodies would be linked to the food processing industry, thereby doubling the incomes of the farming and rural community.
The policy aims to make Telangana state top the country in milk production and livestock in five years. The policy is expected to attract an investment of `20,000 crore and generate employment for 1,25,000 persons.
Mr Rao assured that investors in food processing sector would be extended all possible cooperation. He said that the state government would “meet or beat” an offer made by any other state.
Mr Rama Rao outlined the various initiatives taken by the state government to provide impetus to the agriculture and allied sectors. He spoke of the massive initiative to increase irrigation facilities and the special focus on improving storage facilities — which includes building godowns and improving cold storage.
The government signed nine memoranda of understanding with food processing companies which are expected to bring in investments up to `1,250 crore and create employment for 10,000 persons. Mr Jayesh Ranjan, principal secretary, industries, represented the state.
The companies included Bikanerwala, Nutrimmense Foods & Supplements, Prayagh Nutri Products, Annapurna Agriculture Private Limited, Karachi Bakery, Bluecraft, Sampre, Creamline Dairy.