Six food processing companies have evinced interest in setting up a mega food park (MFP) in Tarn Taran district in Punjab. The food park is likely to be developed under a scheme floated by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries to create infrastructure for the sector.
The six companies include Mrs Bector's Food Specialties (the Cremica Group), Brattle Foods, Punjab based International Fresh Farm Products, Maninder Rice Mills, Kolkata based LMJ International and Jodhpur based Veer Prabhu Exports.
The proposed MFP may require an investment in range of Rs 150-250 crore. Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC) which is the nodal agency for agri or food processing industries in the state, will facilitate setting up of the food park by making land available at the proposed location of Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district. The MFP is likely to have Central Processing Centre where food processing units are likely to be set up.
Also, PAIC is likely to become a partner in the SPV, which is to be responsible for establishing, operating and maintaining the MFP. The proposed SPV, set up for creating the food park will also be eligible for availing one time capital grant from the Union Government to the extent of 50 per cent of the project cost with a maximum ceiling of Rs 50 crore. |