Panaji (Goa): With an effort to boost the Food Processing sector, the State government has worked out a scheme that aims at enhancing the income of farmers and export by providing a financial assistance upto Rs 30 lakhs to the unit.

‘State Mission for Food Processing Scheme (SMFP)–2016’, is a scheme introduce by the government wherein it provides incentives to food processing units in the form of financial assistance to the extent of 25 percent of the cost of Plant and Machinery and Technical Civil Works, subject to a maximum of Rs 30 lakhs.

The main objective of the scheme is to increase the level of processing, reduction of wastage, value addition, enhance the income of farmers as well as increase exports thereby resulting in overall development of food processing sector.

“The scheme envisages extending the financial assistance/incentive for establishment of new food processing units as well as technology up gradation and expansion of existing food processing units which can help in creating sustainable local employment in the State,” Georgina Saldanha, Under Secretary (Industries) said.

The food processing sectors like fruits & vegetables, dairy/meat/poultry/fish products, bakery products, cereal/other consumer food products, rice/flour/pulse/oil milling and such other agri-horti sectors including food flavors, colours, oleoresins, spices, coconut, mushroom wines and hops will be covered under the scheme.

The activities of aerated water, packaged drinking water and aerated drinks will not be considered for financial assistance under the scheme.

Team TNV