Centre to set up model markets for perishables: Minister

The Central government would set up "model" markets in every state for preserving perishable commodities such as vegetables and fish to help farmers get better remunerative prices, Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas said today.

"The government has decided to set up a model market in every state for storing agricultural products, fruits, vegetables, fish and meat in a hygienic condition," he said here.

The purpose of the market was to keep food products well preserved so that farmers could get better price, he said after inaugurating "Farm to Fork" - a two-day International Conference-cum Exhibition on Agri-business and Food Processing organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).

These model markets would ensure that the food products were stored in a "hygienic" condition, he said, adding the proposed markets would be modelled on the lines of one already existing in Kerala.

He said 51 per cent of stake in the markets would be given to either the state government or local bodies while the remaining would be with private companies.

He said the level of food processing in the country was still low — 2 per cent in case of fruits and vegetables — compared to developed countries like 80 per cent in USA and 70 per cent in France. "Countries like Malaysia and Thailand have processed food volume to the extent of 80 per cent and 30 per cent respectively," he said.