Food processing varsity promised in Bihar

Products launched in Bihar under one district one product (ODOP) programme, which is part of the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE)

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Pashupati Kumar Paras, the Union Food Processing Industry Minister recently inaugurated the office of Capacity Enhancement Centre (CEC) at Patna for training entrepreneurs from Bihar and northeastern states interested in food processing activities. Paras also launched ‘Makhana King’ under one district one product (ODOP) programme, which is part of the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMFPE).

Paras said the Centre had decided to establish a food processing university in north Bihar. He said he would personally discuss the matter with the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and request him for the allotment of land for the institution.

However, he said that land was available for opening yet another big campus of CEC at Hajipur. Initiatives would be taken at his level in consultation with the state government for its materialization. Paras, who also represents the Hajipur parliamentary constituency, said the CEC to be opened at Hajipur would provide training in food processing activities to entrepreneurs of north Bihar.

According to the Minister, the Union agriculture department would take steps to increase foodgrain production and the food processing industry would work to ensure good returns to the farmers on their produce, besides creating employment opportunities

The CEC office at Patna was established under the guidance of National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship Management (NIFTEM) based at Kundli, Sonepat. Union food Processing Industry Joint Secretary Minhaz Alam and NIFTEM (Kundli) Vice-Chancellor Dr C B Devappa were present on the occasion.

The Minister also said that a survey would be done to start food processing units in every district as per the local need. He mentioned that mega food parks were functional in various parts of the country and the Centre had planned to open mini food parks and discussions would also be held with the state government on the modalities to start such parks.

North Bihar was well known for the production of makhana, bananas, maize and other items based on which food processing units could be opened in the state to help the farmers. According to the Minister, the Union agriculture department would take steps to increase foodgrain production and the food processing industry would work to ensure good returns to the farmers on their produce, besides creating employment opportunities.

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