The Hindu Business Line : Ministry to submit draft of integrated food law to Cabinet

THE Food Processing Ministry is to submit the draft of the Integrated Food Law to the Cabinet soon, with the aim of introducing it in the next Parliament session.

Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industries' annual session here, the Food Processing Minister, Mr Subodh Kant Sahai, said: "We intend to put the draft proposal before the Cabinet in next 10 days and are committed to introduce the Bill in the next session of Parliament".

He said the Integrated Food Bill proposes to provide a single-window system by rationalising 16 different laws and simplifying procedures. Also, on the anvil is a Processed Food Development Bill, which will encompass the core elements of relevant existing food laws besides making new proposals according to the requirements of the food processing industry.

The Minister stressed development of food parks, seeking private sector assistance in setting up mega food parks also. He said the Planning Commission has promised assistance of up to Rs 100 crore in this endeavour but his Ministry is keen to involve the private sector in establishing mega food parks.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman and Managing Director of Cargill India, Mr Hardeep Singh, said India has become the second most deficient nation in agricultural products and this situation needs to be corrected fast through a series of policy initiatives which would encourage agricultural productivity.

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