In order to ensure the overall development of Food Processing Industries in the country, including to deal with challenges arising out of COVID-19, Ministry Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has undertaken several initiatives as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative, which includes -

• Centrally Sponsored -PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) for providing financial, technical, and business support for setting up/up-gradation of 2 lakh micro food processing enterprises across the country during five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 based on One District One Product (ODOP) approach with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.

• The expansion in scope of “Operation Greens scheme” under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana from Tomato, Onion & Potato (TOP) from Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) to all notified fruits & vegetables (TOTAL).

• Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLIS) for Food Processing Sector with an outlay of Rs 10,900 Crore to support the creation of global food manufacturing champions and support Indian brands of food products in the international market.

Union Home Secretary, vide Order No 40-3 / 2020- DM –I (A) dated15thApril, 2020 dated, addressed to all Chief Secretaries, Administrators of States, Union Territories, exempted Food Processing Industries in rural areas, apart from various agriculture and related activities from lockdown restrictions, subject to adherence of prescribed COVID norms. To facilitate food processing units resume operations, MoFPI had established a dedicated Grievance Cell and a Task Force during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak to liaison with state authorities. A total of 585 industry-related issues were resolved during the COVID lockdown period in 2020 by the Cell.

Minister of State gave this information for Food Processing Industries, Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 30 November 2021.