Maharashtra will become centre of food processing: Devendra Fadnavis

Compared to other Indian states, Maharashtra was among the major beneficiaries of Kisan SAMPADA (scheme for agro-marine processing and development of agro-processing clusters) introduced by Centre. This was reiterated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of food processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal during a conference held in Mumbai.

Fadnavis said that India is diverse and there is a geographical gap in the country. “Our aim as a (state) government is to fill the gap that will make Maharashtra centre of food processing.” He believes Samruddhi Corridor will boost food processing industry further. Citing the example of Coke and Pepsi that are using pulp in their mosambi (sweet lime) products, he said it has given a good boost to food processing industry in Nagpur. There are a growing number of food parks that are coming up. Regions in Amravati, Konkan and Nagpur are among the selected areas to have food park. Satara food park is already operational.

He revealed that foreign investment and food parks are boosting growth of Maharashtra. Fadnavis stated that Badal and her ministry have been proactively taking steps for last three years to make this industry grow. “We are the biggest beneficiary of the Kisan SAMPADA,” he added. Maharashtra plans to spend Rs 6,000 crore to support the food processing industry.

Talking a dig at redundant policies that exist, he said that like the centre, the state government also interacts at ground level and tries to address issues. “We interact and do not shy away from changing policies.” He added that the government will change policies that don't promote growth even if that means changing policies that were implemented under their regime.