Union Min announces food parks in Meghalaya, Sikkim

Shillong, Dec 6: Union Minister of State for Food Processing Rameswar Teli on Friday announced the setting up of a mega food park in Meghalaya and a mini food park in Sikkim.

"We have already sanctioned setting up of mega food parks in almost all the northeastern states except for Meghalaya and Sikkim. A mega food park at Banderdewa in Arunachal Pradesh has also been sanctioned," Teli said at the Chief Minister's conclave on 'North East Food Show 2019' here on Friday.

"For 2020, the ministry has a budget of Rs 1,100 crore for the northeast region. Food parks will be set up soon in Meghalaya and Sikkim. All states in the northeast should have a food park by the end of my term," the Union Minister added.

Noting that the Central government has given special emphasis on setting up food processing industries in the northeast, Teli said the Centre will provide 75 per cent subsidy to entrepreneurs to set up food-based industries in the region.

He also added that the government is planning to set up an IIT like institute in Guwahati for food related research.

Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, who also attended the conclave, said that food of the northeast is known to be healthy and organic.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Sikkim Tourism Minister B.S. Pant also appreciated Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his government for organising the event and highlighted the initiatives taken by their respective governments for promotion of food industries in their states.