The Hindu Business Line : Farmers' co-ops mooted for food processing sector

THE Government has emphasised the need to set up farmers' cooperatives for efficient processing and utilisation of agricultural produce and thus give a further impetus to the food processing sector.

At a meeting with the delegation of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Minister for Food Processing Industries, Mr Subodh Kant Sahai, said more than Rs 50,000 crore was being lost in wastage of agricultural produce, because of limited linkages with the subsequent consumer.

"Farmer cooperatives can become an integral instrument in dealing with the situation by providing the initial link in the food processing chain. This would also help the farmers to protect their rights in this era where lot of stress is being put on commercialising the food industry," he said.

Mr Sahai was supportive of the suggestion made by the PHDCCI President, Mr K.N. Memani. The Minister said the country must build a brand image for its agriculture produce. Citing the examples of successful brands such as Amul and Safal, he said branding was imperative to face the global market.

Mr Sahai said Food Parks were being set up across the country to provide a one-stop shop for the industry and to facilitate exports.

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