The strategic role and functions of the Ministry fall under three categories -
1) Policy support developmental & promotional
2) Technical & advisory
3) Regulatory.
It is concerned with the formulation & implementation of policies and plans for all the industries under its domain within the overall national priorities and objectives. Its main focus areas include -- development of infrastructure, technological up gradation, development of backward linkages, enforcement of quality standards and expanding domestic as well as export markets for processed food products.
The Ministry acts as a catalyst and facilitator for attracting domestic & foreign investments towards developing large integrated processing capacities, by creating conducive policy environment, including rationalization of taxes & duties. It processes applications for foreign collaborations, Export Oriented Units (EOUs) etc. and assists/guides prospective entrepreneur in his endeavour.
Post liberalization, it has approved a large no. of joint ventures, foreign collaborations, industrial licenses and 100% EOU proposals in different food processing areas and has taken major policy initiatives to facilitate an accelerated growth of the industry.The functions of the Ministry can be broadly classified as follows:
Policy Support
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Formulation and implementation of policies for food processing industries within overall national priorities and objectives.
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Facilitating the creation of a conducive policy environment for healthy growth of the food-processing sector.
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Promoting rationalization of tariffs and duties relating to food processing sector.
Developmental
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Assistance under various plan schemes.
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Widening the R&D base in food processing by involvement of various R&D institutes and support to various R&D activities relating to development of product, process and packaging with special emphasis on traditional technologies.
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Human resource development both for entrepreneurs as well as workers engaged in the food processing industry by up gradation of their skills.
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Assistance for setting up analytical and testing laboratories, active participation in the laying down of food standards as well as their harmonization with international standards.
Promotional
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Assistance for organization of workshops, seminars, exhibitions and fairs etc.
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Assistance for studies / surveys etc.
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Publications and films.
Regulatory
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