'Technology & Innovation Must Get Utilized for Increasing Shelf Life of Fruits & Pulses'

NEW DELHI: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), under its scheme of Research & Development in processed food sector, extends financial assistance as grant-in-aid to various institutions/universities, Public funded organizations and recognized Research & Development (R&D) laboratories both in public and private sector, to promote and undertake demand driven R&D work in Food Processing Sector including citrus fruits & storage of pulses, for design & development of equipments, improved storage, self life etc.

With the above in view, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing various Central Sector Schemes, namely (i) Mega Food Parks. (ii) Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure (iii) Setting up/ Modernization of Abattoirs and (iv) Scheme for Quality Assurance, Research & Development and Other Promotional Activities.

Ministry also has 2 academic cum research institutes viz. National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology(IIFPT) both of which offer B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD programmes and undertake research in food processing including reduction in post harvest losses.

In addition, National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and National Horticulture Board (NHB), under Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare are also providing assistance for setting up cold storages under their respective schemes to reduce post harvest losses.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.