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The day-long conference of State Ministers of Food Processing Industries ended in New Delhi today with a resolution to give prime importance to the food processing sector. It resolved to actively encourage investments in the agro processing industries to reduce wastage and enhance value addition to benefit the farmers.
There was a consensus that multiple laws and regulations, which prescribe varied standards, affect the normal growth of the food processing industry. Hence, an integrated food law is urgently needed to facilitate a single-window clearance to ensure a speedy development of the food processing sector. An integrated food law was recommended.
The conference recognised tax as one of the major constraints affecting the food processing industries. It recommended lowering of sales and other taxes on food products.
The conference recommended a legislation on contract farming programmes which provide adequate backward and forward linkages. It viewed that the incidence of taxes by way of market fee, cess, duties and taxes on procurement of agricultural and horticultural produce under contract faring programme could be waived or minimised.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries agreed in principle to support the establishment of one modern food processing industry or food park in each Parliamentary constituency in the country. State-level task forces are to be set up with a view to giving a fillip and a forum for development to the food processing industries. The Ministry would assist in setting up quality laboratories in all the four zones of the country.
The conference recommended the setting up of Department of Food Processing in States where it does not exist to speed up the growth of the sector.
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