With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”?

1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• The Mega Food Park is an initiative launched in 2008 with the objective of creating advanced infrastructure for food processing industries.
• It falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
• The scheme aims to facilitate collaboration among farmers, processors, and retailers, connecting agricultural production to the market.
• Its primary goals are to enhance value addition, reduce wastage, and improve farmers’ income.
• Main objectives of the scheme:
  • To provide modern infrastructure for food processing. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • Increasing farmer’s income.
  • Employment creation, especially in rural areas.
  • Maximizing value addition of agricultural produce.
• There are no provisions for emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies for entrepreneurs. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.