North East Agro & Food Processing

Background:

India’s north-eastern region is a land of magnificent beauty, possessing undulating hills and thrilling flora and fauna. The region with its agro-friendly climate and agrarian roots has the potential to be a sunrise zone for food processing. The various incentives extended by the Government set the stage for making food processing a lucrative option in the area.

North East Region of India” is gifted with diverse agro-climatic conditions suitable for growing to various cash crops, fruits and vegetables. Agriculture is the main occupation for majority of the populace in this region and experts opine that horticulture is an important sector that is a major contributor to the economies of these states. Food processing industry especially agro-horticultural based has been identified as a thrust area of development. Fruits and vegetables, like banana, pineapple, orange, papaya, lemon, potato, sweet potato, tapioca chilies, turmeric, onion, ginger, bamboo shoot and jack fruit, have good marketing scope in this region if properly harvested, processed and packaged. Further, NE region’s geographical location gives it a unique advantage when it comes to exports, having convenient connectivity to South & South East Asia.

Government of India is trying hard to bring change in the area through its various financial assistance schemes through MoFPI, MSME, DoNER, QCI, NHB, SFAC, NERAMAC, APEDA, NABARD, etc.

Objectives :

• To create awareness about Government (Union and States both) supported schemes/programs for the processed food entrepreneurs.
• To extend hand holding to the investors and entrepreneurs to convert them to beneficiaries of the Government schemes
• To discuss overview of the processed food market with focus on opportunities for North-Eastern states
• To bring Central Government, State Governments & other policy makers come together at a common platform and brainstorm the possibilities for development and growth of Food processing sector in the state
• To discuss key issues and challenges faced by the existing food manufacturers in the state.
• To build networking and fruitful collaborations with other players from the industries and the government.
• To Strengthen the North East Indian Food Processing Sector at State level so as to Strengthen the Competitiveness of small-holders in the region.
• Encourage farmer-to-business and business-to-business interaction, which has the having potential for commercial opportunities benefiting small farmers.
• Highlight the key role of banks in developing and strengthening the Agro Food processing Industry particularly for small farmers.