Industry wants state to take steps for promoting agro processing sector

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) has said that the forthcoming two-day Global Agribusiness and Food Processing Summit 2011 is a great initiative which will encourage and enhance growth in the Agro and Food Processing industry sector. Karnataka has been in the forefront in announcing the Agriculture Policy and Agro Processing Policy in the nation. The Chamber believes that farmers of Karnataka can benefit by being integrated into the food supply chain.

Vinod Nowal, President, BCIC, said: “Events such as the Global Agribusiness and Food Processing Summit which encourage investment in the Agri and Food Processing sector, will go a long way in establishing an efficient supply chain that links farmers and small manufacturers directly with retailers, thus maximising value for all stakeholders. Together with back-end infrastructure, this will minimise wastage (especially for fresh foods and vegetables), increase farmers’ realisations, encourage best practices in crop management and improve food safety and hygiene. Further, it will bring with it the technologies and expertise required to boost farm yields in the state.” BCIC over the last few years has been advocating that in order not to let this numero uno status in this sector slip by, has been urging the state government to immediately set up a Model Food Park with all infrastructure facilities which will not only give the right fillip to the growth of this sector but at the same time give right signals to the investors to set up shops in the state. On the eve of Global Agribusiness and Food Processing Summit, BCIC urges Karnataka Government to emulate other States like Bihar which has effectively addressed issues concerning this sector. BCIC feels that in order to sustain and enhance the growth of this sector, several teething issues which are hindering the growth of this sector should be accorded immediate priority. Revamp the APMC Act and make it progressive, set up of high-end infrastructure, offer financial incentives, expand tax moratoriums, ease up procurement clauses and removal of cess, are some of the steps which BCIC urged the government to focus on.

“We at BCIC feels all the above issues will come up for discussions and the state government will come out with some policy pronouncements thereby to inject the necessary momentum for fostering growth of this vital sector,” Noval said.