Contex: Recently, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Development of North-east Region have inaugurated the Zoram Mega Food Park in Mizoram.
About Zoram Mega Food Park
- It is built at a cost of Rs 75 crore and spread over 55 Acres of land will directly benefit over 25,000 farmers.
- It will provide employment opportunities to over 5,000 people in the region.
- It will help in doubling the income of farmers in the area by doing away with the middlemen.
- It will help in overcoming the transportation constraints and will soon become a major milestone for the storage and processing of high variety of foods, spices, fruits and vegetables grown in the region.
Importance of Mega Food Park
- It aims at providing a mechanism to link agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers.
- Its objective is to ensure maximizing value addition, minimizing wastage, increasing farmers’ income and creating employment opportunities particularly in rural sector.
- It is based on “Cluster” approach and envisages creation of state of art support infrastructure in a well-defined agri/horticultural zone for setting up of modern food processing units in the industrial plots.
- It is consist of supply chain infrastructure including collection centers, primary processing centers, central processing centers, cold chain and around 25-30 fully developed plots for entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.
Concerns associated with Mega Food Park
- The promoters have faced difficulties in selling the new concept to banks and thus have failed to secure loans to build the parks.
- The major concern associated with Mega Food Park is mandatory acquiring of 50 acres of land for the infrastructure.
- There is difficulty in convincing small enterprises to set up shop at Mega Food Park.
Way Forward
- There is no doubt that the mega food park scheme stands out as the government is not only offering room and facilities but are also making available raw materials, labour, storage and supply solutions.
- The government must ensure the timely and effective implementation of the plan if it is to reap the maximum benefits.
Source: PIB
