Parliament Question: Development of Integrated Cold Chains in Haryana

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 879 ANSWERED ON 24TH JULY, 2025 DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED COLD CHAINS IN HARYANA

879. SHRI DHARAMBIR SINGH:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has identified and mapped key horticultural zones such as Bhiwani and Mahendragarh for the development of integrated cold chains, if so, the details thereof, location-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) the details of the number of Mega Food Parks or Agro-Processing Clusters sanctioned in the State of Haryana so far;

(c) whether the Government is collaborating with Farmer Producer Organisations to establish processing units at the block level, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether any incentives are being provided to startups and small enterprises for food preservation, processing and export promotion and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether any mechanism is in place to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market linkage for perishable agricultural produce in the said districts and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAVNEET SINGH)

(a): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has identified 40 production clusters for 10 fruits in 15 States and 97 production clusters for 11 vegetables in 25 States for implementing the component scheme- Operation Greens (OG scheme) under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). However, the districts of Bhiwani and Mahendragarh of Haryana had not been included in the production clusters, as these districts have not met the requisite eligibility criteria for identification of such clusters.

(b): Two mega food parks and two agro processing clusters have been approved so far under the component schemes namely Mega Food Parks scheme and Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters of PMKSY respectively in the State of Haryana.

(c): MoFPI does not set up food processing projects/ units on its own under any of its scheme.

However, under the component schemes namely Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters, Operation Greens and Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities of PMKSY, FPOs are eligible entities for availing financial assistance to set up food processing projects as per the extant scheme guidelines of the respective component schemes

(d): Under PMKSY and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), any eligible entity including startups may avail the financial assistance in the form of grants- in-aid/ subsidy for setting up of food processing projects as per the extant scheme guidelines of the respective schemes.In addition to above, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management- Kundli (NIFTEM-K), an autonomous organization under the MoFPI provide incentives to support startups and small enterprises engaged in food preservation, processing, and export promotion through its NIFTEM Technology Innovation and Business Incubation Foundation (NTIBIF). These incentives are designed to facilitate innovation, scale-up operations, and promote entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector. The key forms of support

include: • Seed Grant Funding: Financial assistance is provided to eligible startups under the incubation program to help them initiate or scale their ventures. • Incubation Space: Access to furnished co-working and office space within the NIFTEM campus, facilitating a conducive environment for business operations and collaboration.

• Product Testing & Validation: Startups are allowed to utilize NIFTEM’s state-of-the- art laboratories and pilot plant facilities for product testing and validation at subsidized rates. • Mentorship Support: Sector-specific mentoring from NIFTEM faculty and industry experts on product development, regulatory compliance, business strategy, and market entry.

• Networking Opportunities: Platforms to connect with investors, domain experts, government bodies, and other ecosystem stakeholders for business advancement. • Training & Capacity Building: Access to tailored training programs, entrepreneurship workshops, and technical sessions aimed at skill development and enterprise growth.

Further, NIFTEM-K organizes the Startup Conclave, SUFALAM (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) at its campus, which serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing innovations, facilitating B2B and B2G engagements, and fostering collaborations across the agri-food ecosystem. It brings together startups, industry leaders, academic researchers, investors, and policymakers to deliberate on sustainable food systems, technology adoption, and value chain enhancements. Through this initiative, NTIBIF actively contributes to strengthening food security, enhancing rural livelihoods, and promoting value-added food exports.

(e): MoFPI through the component schemes namely Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters, Operation Greens, Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities of PMKSY and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme support eligible entities to set up food processing units/projects across the country(including the districts of Bhiwani and Mahendragarh in the State of Haryana), for facilitating reduction of post-harvest losses and to improve market linkage for perishable agricultural produce.

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