In a move to support the agriculture and food processing industry in the state, the Punjab government is set to introduce its Agro Industrial Policy 2009. Punjab Agro Industrial Corporation Ltd (PAIC) will supervise the implementation of the proposed policy across the state.
Extending funds for growth
The Punjab government has outlined its Agro Industrial Policy to benefit SMEs engaged in the agro-based industry. The policy is also aimed at facilitating higher agriculture growth and supporting farmers in the state.
In the initial phase, the state government will extend interest subsidy to small and mid-sized agro industrial companies. In addition, the government is planning to allocate funds for technological enhancements.
“This is a positive sign as the state government’s recent move will provide an impetus to small and mid-sized food companies like ours. At a time when SMEs are struggling to stay afloat due to rising costs of operation, the Agro Industrial Policy will enable such companies to maintain profitability,” opines Kulwant Singh, Founder and Director of Supreem Food Products, a small-sized food manufacturing company in Ludhiana.
In the past few months, the Punjab government has taken some important initiatives to promote the agro processing industry in the state. It has already approved proposals for two agro-processing projects worth Rs 160 crore and six mega projects worth Rs 1,292.22 crore.
Facilitating R&D activities in the sector
According to food technologists and agri experts, although the state government has taken steps in the right direction, it should lay the emphasis on enhancing R&D facilities. “In recent times, farmers and agro companies have incurred losses due to crop failure and pest attacks. The government should therefore pay attention to R&D development in agriculture to prevent such losses,” says Santbir Saluja, Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, Bhai Maha Singh College of Engineering, Muktsar.
To address this issue, the state government intends to grant aid for establishing Centres of Excellence to promote R&D activities in agriculture. Through the promotion of the agro-processing industry in the state, the Punjab government is looking at generating greater employment opportunities as well.
Shubhomita Bose |
